springs under the mainsheet blocks

[Shannonpn]

I am looking to find out what size springs I would need in order to prevent the banging against the gelcoat. 

2009 Sun Cat with mainsheet rigged to stern.

Thanks in advance.

Peter

[Jasmid53]

I needed to replace the spring on my 16' also. It was broken in three places. I couldn't find a proper replacement at the local WM or James Town Distributors store. If I had found the same spring I don't think that I could have wound  it on; had to cut the old off.

I found a ss spring at HD which was of a light gauge and a bit longer. I was able to wind this one on. Its coils are are more compressed then the original, but it does the job. A piece of split tube, tied on could also work.

[bruce]

McMaster Carr stocks an extensive selection of compression springs, cylindrical and conical (scroll down).
https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/125/1326

I use a 1692k44, 1/2" taller than the actual space, 2" in my case, so it's under some compression. The spring rate is about right for me. I made a 1/8" Delrin washer installed at the top where it bears on the block. I notched a finish washer to catch the spring at the base so it doesn't move around as much. The first photo is before I refinished the teak, the spring does hold the tackle up.
https://www.mcmaster.com/1692k44

The conical spring does stand up nicely. If your pad eye flange is small, you could have the base of the spring larger than the flange, and the flange would keep the spring centered. I'd add a thin plastic ring outside of the flange to protect the gelcoat.

[DanM]

   I got this at West Marine, it's on the website and I got it at the store:
https://www.westmarine.com/buy/harken--2-stand-up-spring-fits-all-small-blocks--114215?recordNum=3
For a buck each, give them a try. I found it works on my SunCat. I'm pretty sure it's this $.99 one because I remember that I had one already and went to WM to get a second. It was memorable to get what I needed at WM and only spend $ 1.09 w/tax!

[Shannonpn]

Excellent, thanks. Just ordered a pair online in Ontario, $3 Canadian for a pair ...and then I added a tiller clutch based on positive reviews on this forum.  Thanks for responses.