Jared,
 
Based on your comments, we prepared a basic layout of the winch on the ship.  In this way we could understand the likely cable path geometry and anticipate any problems or interferences that might need to be addressed.
 
Please review the attached and the following notes so that you can comment or incorporate any corrections.
1.      We know that the a-frame/sheave has not been fully designed, but we assumed it’s outboard position at about 24”.
2.      Based on this dimension, we have about 6 degree fleet angle as shown on the left image.  Under the loads we will be experiencing, this is completely within the design capability of the winch/levelwind.
3.      Since the cable bending diameter is about 15”, we have assumed an overboarding sheave with 15” root diameter.
4.      We had no idea about the height of the sheave, but assumed the center point of the sheave would be about 26” above deck level as shown on the right image. This may or may not be a reasonable assumption depending on the height of the gunwale.  We have shown this as 20” above deck level, but perhaps you can advise actual.
5.      In the case shown, we see a cable inflection angle around the top level wind roller ranging from 0 degrees at bare drum condition to about 15 degrees at full drum condition.  This also is not a particular concern based on the loads we will be seeing, but we should try to minimize this to the extent possible.
6.      If the sheave is higher, resulting in a larger cable angle around the upper level wind roller, then we may wish to evaluate potential solutions. One simple solution may be to prepare the ship foundation so that the winch sits at a slight angle upward on the outboard side. There are other possibilities as well, that will depend on any changes to the proposed layout.
As indicated, the purpose of the layout drawing is simply to understand the cable path for the installation. Please let me have your comments.  Also, please note that the attached layout and cable path geometry is based on the side deployment which would pose the worst case condition. The stern deployment, due to increased distances, should result in lower angles which is generally a good thing.
 
With Best Regards,

Stephen Pearlman
InterOcean Systems, Inc.
(858) 565-8400 ext. 128
(858) 268-9695 fax
www.interoceansystems.com