The section of rope in a lifting tackle that is actually pulled by hand or winch to raise a load. In a multi-part tackle, the rope weaves through several sheaves, but the fall is specifically the bitter end where the mechanical advantage is applied. The term is most commonly used in the plural when referring to the heavy ropes used to lower or raise lifeboats from davits.
Heard on the job
Keep tension on the boat falls so the lifeboat doesn't swing out before the crew is seated.
Also heard as
- boat fall