Andre is correct. Here are some visuals to go along with this discussion....

typical winching (w/o snatch block), you're pulling the entire load directly, and thus the line and the winch absorb the full weight of the load.



however, when you introduce a snatch block attached, you effectively half the force required for your winch to pull. you also split the load across the line too, so the cable is only absorbing 1/2 the total load. But like Andre said, you cut your speed in half.





So to answer your question, yes, a winch rated for 8000lbs can pull 16,000lbs load with the use of a snatch block and without the need to upgrade the cable diameter.

-Rob