main sheet assembly [Andrew Hannah]

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Andrew Hannah wrote:

My boat is one of the old "Sparks". The main sheet blocks are made of stainless steel, with black pulleys. The standing end of the sheet is attached, with a bowline, to one side of the main block in the assembly. Under tension, the blocks have a tendency to twist, which makes sheeting-in fully rather difficult. Is this an inherent fault with the old-style assembly?

It would seem the more modern black plastic blocks with white pulleys don't have the same problem. This may be due to the fact that the standing end of the sheet is screwed to the centre of the main block, instead of to one side. However, before I rush out to buy a complete new set of blocks, please could members indicate whether I am correct in this line of thinking.

I don't think the rope is at fault, because I bought a new mainsheet rope from Steve Sawford.

With thanks for any guidance,

Andrew Hannah (1060).

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Charles replied:

Andrew

I've got the same old-style blocks & haven't had any noticable twisting problem.

I do always have to have a couple of gos to get the threading correct after changing / washing the mainsheet & I did have to put a slight twist in the mainsheet when I put it back this time as it wasn't quite lying right.

I'll tell you after Grafham whether I'm getting nice straight falls, as that's my first sail of the year!

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Bob replied:

Hi Andrew,
I'm sure that with enough fiddling about you can get the old blocks to work OK. I was very happy to move over to the newer black blocks, though. They are much much better.

You can convert your boat to these - I believe you do not have to change the ratchet wheel and cleat to fit the new blocks

[Archive]

Bob replied:

Hi Andrew,
I'm sure that with enough fiddling about you can get the old blocks to work OK. I was very happy to move over to the newer black blocks, though. They are much much better.

You can convert your boat to these - I believe you do not have to change the ratchet wheel and cleat to fit the new blocks. John Long at Grafham did this to #1133. The blocks cost ?31.95 each on the Windsport Website (www.catparts.windsport.co.uk )so for about ?65 you can upgrade your boat. It you have go a birthday coming up you could drop some hints around - they would make a nice birthday present.