Jib fairlead block

[HeaveToo]

I managed to run into a big mess today near my dock.

I sailed into my harbor, which I rarely do.  I paid for it, kind of.

My starboard jib sheet pinched between the side of the block and the area that holds the sheet.  It became jammed in a big way.  I spend 20 minutes trying to free it before I was finally able to get my marlin spike into it and wedge the line out.

Needless to say my block is shot!  Of course it is an ancient part and it is expensive.  The block is a Ronstan rf1277.  I called compac and they aren't using Ronstan anymore, they are using Garhauer.  They aren't sure that the block will work on my boat but they think that they will since it is for 1" T Track (that is what is on the Compac 23s). 

I called Ronstan.  Their replacement was $250!  I laughed and said no way. 

Anyway, I am shopping for a new block.  Anyone know of a source for a reasonably priced block that will work?

Thanks!

[Jim23]

You might look at the Nautos website and see if they have something that will work. Their prices are pretty competitive. I used a Nautos block on my last sailboat and it held up well but I don't know much about the company. Maybe others have experience with this brand.

https://www.nautos-usa.com/product/91423-s-steel-car-for-25mm-t-track-with-stop-and-39-mm-classic-block

[brackish]

$250 for just the block?  Sounds like they were quoting the block, standup and car as a unit.  Are all those components wrecked.  If not you should be able to find a compatible block only that will fit on the car and standup.

If it is all wrecked, the Gauhauer car mounted stand up blocks for 1" track are between $50 and $70 depending on the capacity'

http://garhauermarine.com/catalog_process.cfm?cid=28

I would ask Compac what they are using, more than likely it will fit your track.

[Mas]

Hey Heave, sorry to hear but glad it was only so bad. Our little 16 (wherever she is) probably still has a dented bow cap rail from just such an adventure! (It actually was the last straw with my wife who insisted we get a motor after that). Not much help on replacement but do have a brand spanking new Harken catalogue and can do some research for ya. Sure it is all on line too.

Hey you now have that checked off your list: Run into dock-check. 

[HeaveToo]

There are a few options.  I have to figure out which one is the best budget option

I had some heavy weather sailing today.  At times 20 sustained with higher gusts.  Some gusts over 25 knots.  I was flying a reefed main and most of my jib rolled in.  It was a south west wind so I had a shorter fetch area but the winds were nuts.  Wind streaks over the water, spray flying over the bow, and sitting on the edge of control.  I was dumping the main once in a while to keep control.  It is obvious that the boat sails better at a lesser heel so I reefed early but it was still a ride.

I did okay considering the issue.  I ended up going around in circles until I could free the sheet.  I did loose my flag halyard cleat too but such is life. I am not happy about the genoa car.  The block is set up so you can just replace the block and leave the car.  You have to replace the block and the car.

Everything else worked well during the trip.  I love the pressurized water system, the vhf system worked well, all of the wiring I did worked right, and it was a comfortable night.

Oh well, it was an adventure.  Let's just hope that this the end of all of the budget hits because my budget is shot!

[Bob23]

Matt:
   I had the same thing happen and it can create a potentially dangerous situation. I came up with a cheap fix but I honestly don't remember exactly what I did. I'll take a photo and email it to you or if I'm not feelin lazy, I'll post it here. I think I bought a block and stand up spring from WM, cut the old one off and attached the new one with a small shackle inside the spring. Or something like that.
Bob23

[HideAway]

I have to replace both blocks because the wheels have just rotted away for lack of a better term.  I've searched various flea markets but find that the older styles have a thumb screw lock instead of the spring lock on my current ones.  Not acceptable considering how often I move them!  Someone mentioned I could grind off the axle on the old one and install a new block.  Its supposed to work well but I am concerned about the forces involved-- there is a lot of stress on those blocks.  I priced them once at West Marine.  As I remember they were about $150.  The Gauhaure price seems fair.  Before I order those I ll go to a marine salvage yard nearby.   I believe the track is one inch-certainly not larger.  It will be a summer project- I need to get the below deck jobs done first.  The interior is pretty well painted but the next big job will be replacing the sole- I have no idea how to do that but Im sure it will be fun...  It will have to wait- our sailing club has an open house sail out tomorrow - BCYC - Gulfport fl- I can hardly see out of my truck windows and I think something big is living in the grasslands that used to be my lawn- meanwhile Virginia Creepers have taken over the SW corner of our little piece of paradise and little black grass hoppers with a orange strip are eating the rest-- SOS

[Mas]

Hey Heave,

My knowledge of such sources is not nearly as good as yours but here is an ebay link:

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/genoa-car

I thought you meant you had run into the dock but the pinch was just part of the strong winds?

[HeaveToo]

I ordered a Schaefer replacement from West Marine.  It looks like the same block.  I will let you know the results but it was painful, $119 for the block and car.  I hope my other one lasts a while.

I have another block that will eventually go bad.  It is the block by the mast that routes the halyard to the deck organizer.  It is a diamond shape pattern on it.  Inside of the cabin roof there are four black bumps that line up with where the bolts would enter the roof.  Anyone know how those were installed and how you get to the bolts?  I am not going to worry about that one just yet.

This could have been much worse, I could have ended up ripping the genoa I guess.  ugh.

[HeaveToo]

LOL....I cancelled my West Marine order.  I found the Garhauer part for my boat direct from them for $50.  I bought two since I will someday need to replace the other.  Below is the link direct to the manufacturer's website.

BTW...I believe that this is the exact one that Compac is using now but it is cheaper direct from Garhauer.  I actually talked to one of the builders and he said that it was the block that I needed and it would fit on any 1" T Track so I should be okay.

http://garhauermarine.com/catalog_process.cfm?cid=28