Kristian Ferrell
Crab fishing is a dangerous job, with treacherous working conditions and close quarters. Captains are careful to select deckhands who will work well together during long days and nights at sea. The day-to-day work on a crab boat can be harrowing, but for those who choose this job, it can settle into a routine. One of the many dangers is ice build-up, which can cause a boat to become unstable. Crab boats have a lot of overhead equipment that can freeze over, and falling ice is a constant danger. Crab fishermen use a variety of tools to help them with their work, including crab pot pullers, line weights, and pot haulers.
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What You'll Learn
Crab pot pullers
Manual crab pot pullers are pulley systems that require the operator to pull down on a rope to lift the crab pots. They can be made from aluminium and hung off the end of a bent aluminium arm.
Electric or hydraulic crab pot pullers are powered by a motor and are designed to do the job quickly and efficiently. They can be designed with powerful motors that ensure smooth operation, reducing strain and maximising efficiency. They can also be designed to be hands-free, meaning that once the pot line is threaded through the puller, the operator is not required to keep tension on the line and can coil the rope as it is drawn in.
A full load of crab pots can add an additional 45 tons to the overall load of a crab boat, so crab pot pullers are an essential tool to help with the physical demands of crab fishing.
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Ice build-up
Ice can also build up on the overhead equipment, and if the sun comes out, it can melt and fall. To prevent this, the crew must ensure that the equipment is clear of ice.
One way to reduce the ice build-up is to use a commercial-style block that hangs off the end of a manual puller arm. This keeps the crab pots off the rail, making it easier to pull them up. The MARCO J0109 15" Pot hauler / Crab Block is an example of a commercial product that can be used for this purpose. It features 15" sheaves and a powerful direct-drive motor, with a galvanized fabricated steel frame for increased strength and long service life.
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Crew selection
Crab fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, so captains are careful to select crew members who will be able to cope with the treacherous working conditions and close quarters. Captains look for crew members who will add 'spunk' to long days and nights. Crew members need to have immense physical stamina to be able to earn big paydays.
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Crab fishing objectives
Crab fishing is a dangerous job, with treacherous working conditions and close quarters. Captains are careful to select deckhands who will work well together in this challenging environment. There are two main objectives in crab fishing: return to port safely and make as much money as possible.
To achieve these objectives, crab boats must be equipped with the right tools and equipment. One essential piece of equipment is the crab block, also known as a pot hauler. The crab block is used to pull up crab pots, which can be extremely heavy, especially when iced over. A full load of crab pots can add an additional 45 tons to the overall load of the boat, making it unstable.
There are different types of crab blocks available, such as the MARCO J0109 15" Pot hauler, which features a powerful direct-drive motor and adjustable sheaves for use with different line sizes. Another option is a manual-style crab block, which uses a pulley system to lift the pots.
By using the right crab block and maintaining the equipment, crab fishermen can increase their chances of achieving their objectives: a safe return to port with a profitable catch.
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Crab block features
Crab blocks are used to haul crab pots. They feature a wide mouth, open block design for easy rope guiding, and are made with high-quality marine-grade aluminium with a UMHW pulley wheel. The crab block also has a 1/4" stainless steel D ring that should attach to nearly any puller.
The MARCO J0109 15" Pot hauler / Crab Block features 15" sheaves and a powerful direct drive motor. The sheaves are made from galvanised cast iron or bronze and are adjustable with shims to accommodate line sizes from 3/8" to 5/8". The crab block also has a galvanised fabricated steel frame for increased strength and long service life.
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Frequently asked questions
A crab block is a piece of equipment used to haul crab pots.
Crab blocks are used with a pulley system to lift crab pots.
A crab pot is a trap used to catch crabs.
Crab blocks can be made from cast iron, bronze, or aluminium.
The best crab block depends on your needs. The MARCO J0109 15" Pot hauler is a good option for those looking for a powerful direct drive motor, while the Folbe F008 is a good option for sportsmen looking for a heavy-duty, multi-functional pulley.
