Mast head spinnaker halyard block

[marchem]

My rigger was up the mast today, putting LED bulbs in, and he said that the spinnaker block at the mast head was not a good design. It's the same as the turning blocks at the base of the mast, which don't deal well with the variable lead angle. He's got some ideas of what to replace it with, but I thought I'd ask what other C310 users have up there, if they use it.

 

[Uno Mast]

I'm just about to replace my masthead sheave. Good luck, I'll let you know if we learn anything from the job.

 

[justsomeguy]

It's the same as the turning blocks at the base of the mast, which don't deal well with the variable lead angle.

So you're saying that they're not articulating?

I would definitely want a fully articulating (swivelling) block up there.

 

[Joe]

Swivel block with shackle.


Also, it helps to have a spinnaker bail or crane attached to masthead fitting that gets the block farther out front of the headstay. If you have a "snuffer" for your asym, the sleeve gets bunched up at the top and can interfere with things sometimes.

 

[paulj]

This is what I have for using a asym roller furler


paulj

 

[valcour]

This is the OEM masthead crane (2003 model #218) the swivel block Joe recommends works for me (symmetrical spin no sock)

 

[rpwillia]

I have the same crane as Valcour. I added a Garhauer block that swivels.

 

[Meriachee]

Paul, did you make that fixture? I need to move mine out about 6" to get clearance for the furler, and was thinking about crafting something like yours.

 

[paulj]

Paul, did you make that fixture? I need to move mine out about 6" to get clearance for the furler, and was thinking about crafting something like yours.

The first crane was made and installed by rigger.

I made the second crane and my grandson installed it.



paulj