Abstract: A float element for hawser lines, such as used on a single point mooring. The element has a fixed, finite length and is adapted for attachment to the hawser line in a manner to permit elongation of the line under load with the float element in place. The float element has a male end portion and an opposed female end portion, the element being adapted to be attached with the male end portion of a first element adjacent the female end portion of a second element. The male end portion of the first element installed about the line has an outside diameter significantly less than the inside diameter of female end portion of second element. For substantial loads applied to the hawser line, the female end portion of one element is adapted to enclose the male end portion of the adjacent element, whereby the hawser line is continuously enclosed by adjacent elements substantially over their combined length. A flotation system for a hawser line comprising a multiplicity of float elements is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rope fitting is provided for heavy ropes usable for securing large ships to single point mooring buoys and the like as a substitute for conventional thimbles. The crown of an eye formed in the rope is fitted with a sheave and both are encapsulated in a suitable material such as urethane plastic thereby forming a plug which can be inserted in a shroud attachable by a cylindrical bore to a shackle by a shackle bolt. The sheave distributes the load to the rope eye. The unit is much lighter in weight than conventional gear, reducing shipping costs and is capable of being fitted to hardware in the field without trained personnel or special equipment. More than one rope can be so connected to a single multishroud unit.