'83 Hunter 31 Cheek Block Repair

[Shadownav]

Both jib cheek blocks have shredded sheaves. I can find replacement sheaves, but other than drilling the pin out of the block, I can't seem to remove it. Has anyone had a similar issue? Ideas?

Also, the only marking is '2' and 'England'
Is that the brand or country of origin? Just trying to find the brand of block.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Dave

 

[Allan12210]

Dave,

Been there. Those cheek blocks look like mine. They are from Lewmar. I drilled the pin out and replaced the sheaves as you suggest. The part of the pin you see is actually peened larger than what is passing through the sheave. Start with a smaller drill bit and just drill down 1/8" so you don't enlarge the aluminum body hole . Increase drill sizes until the peened head pops off. Drill from the top side. After you put in a new sheave just push a new clevis pin from the backside. You'll see how it fits flush. Once screwed back to the coaming it can't fall out. The only thing I can't remember is if the pin you will need is 3/16" or 1/4" After the old pin is pushed out you'll know. Also, the old sheave may have a steel or aluminum insert that you may have to transfer to the new sheave so it rotates properly about the clevis pin. That may require drilling the new sheave out or making a bushing to fit in your new sheave's larger hole with the proper inner hole. If you ever need to repair it again, its really easy...drop out the clevis pin and install new sheave and bushing.

Good luck.

Allan

 

[Shadownav]

Allan, thanks! I thought drilling it out may be the only way to go, but wanted to know if I was missing something that made it much easier.

 

[Shadownav]

Allan, did you use any special drill or bit to get it out? Just want to check before I burn up or break any bits.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[Steve Dion]

Contact Garhauer Marine. I think they may have an exact replacement. If they do not they will custom drill them for you.

 

[Allan12210]

Dave, no special bit required. I started with a center punch to keep the inital bit from walking. Then I used a new 1/8" bit first. Use some oil to help it cut. Don't lean on it to avoid breaking the bit. Progress up in bits still usin oil until driving a punch down into the pin snaps off the head and it will drop out.

This is by far the least expensive option and opens the door for future repairs as needed very easily.


Allan

 

[Shadownav]

Allan, accomplished the fix just as you suggested. Far easier than some of my local guys were suggesting and now I'm back under sail!! Thanks for the help!