In Mast Furling Mainsail's Aft Roller

[kenvail]

What is the roller called that is at the aft end of the mainsail around which the outhaul travels when the mainsail is deployed? Never heard any reference to it, but I just noticed that mine is cracked all the way around. I don't see how the axle for that wheel comes out to replace it. Any ideas?

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Among other names, turning block. Not worth trying to fix. Just replace it with a stronger one.

 

[kenvail]

Agree, a stronger one is in order. But do you know how to get the current one out? There is no pin or other obvious way to remove the broken one.

 

[kappykaplan]

Photos?

 

[sail sfbay]

Are you referring to the "donut" part B9 on page 11 shown in the boom manual attached? If so, it is selden part number 319-723. I replaced a cracked one last year. To replace it sew a tag line to the end of the outhaul and pull it through the clutch, turning blocks and boom all the way to the block on the boom, replace it and then pull the tag line through to the cockpit.

 

[kenvail]

No, it is not part B9. It is closer to B8, except that the turning block is actually in the aft end of the mainsail. The attached picture (which you may have to enlarge) shows the outhaul line along the boom, then up to the sail and back to the outhaul car. There is a turning block which the line goes around; this is cracked. My question is how to replace this?

 

[sail sfbay]

OK buy the part(s) you need, take a photo of the rigging setup then follow the steps I outlined to remove/ reinstall the outhaul.

 

[DrJudyB]

@kenvail

Thanks fo the picture. That made it easy.

It is called a “clew block”, and it’s supplied by the sailmaker, not the boat builder. The most common ones are manufactured by Rutgerson, Antal, and Bainbridge.

If there’s no pin, it’s probably a Bainbridge. Replace the whole block. I like the Rutgersons for strength and price.

Judy B
Retired sailmaker

Bainbridge International > Outhaul Clew & Reefing Blocks

www.bainbridgeint.com

Clewblocks - Rutgerson Marin

Rutgerson’s Clewblocks have a 60mm, 80mm or 100mm removable acetal sheave and are available in black anodized cheek plates. The webbing slots are smoothly rounded in order to prevent chafe for maximum durability, and the appliance angles of the slots have been improved to better line up with the...

www.rutgerson.se

991.073

blocks, pulleys, foot blocks, snatch blocks for mainsail, genoa, jib, spinnaker, gennaker, in aluminum or stainless steel, main bearing in fibre, opf, barber, xxl

www.antal.it

 

[uncledom]

We had to put leather between the sail web and the block as it shredded the webbing in about 2 years of use. It's been three years with the leather as a buffer and all is well.

 

[kenvail]

Thanks for all your suggestions. We'll be going to the boat on Sunday for a few days and I'll take a closer look at what has to be done. Enjoy the holiday weekend wherever you may be!