What is a Handy Billy?
Simply put a Handy Billy is a simple device made up with a piece of line and a number of blocks that allow you to gain mechanical advantage when lifting or moving heavy loads. The addition of a cam cleat and some quick release shackles result in this device being extremely easy to use anywhere on your vessel and also in some emergency situations. The number of pulleys increases the mechanical advantage.
What can I use a Handy Billy for?
There is a number of situations when a Handy Billy can help you! To name just a few:
- Attached to a strong point on the boom to move a life raft off the deck and into the cockpit or pontoon
- Attached to a Halyard to assist in the recovery of a Man Over Board
- To lift or lower heavy objects up and down the companionway. Engine parts for example
- Lifting large loads on board (Spare fuel, water, supplies etc)
What do I need to make a Handy Billy?
- A length of old line – ideally at least 8 meters in length and rated strong enough for what you intend to lift. 12mm line works well
- 2 quick release shackles or carabiners
- 2 fiddle blocks with beckets (one fitted with a cam cleat to enable you to lock of the load)