Has anyone replaced their Cheek Blocks on their H31? They are the blocks near the transom that the jib sheets run thru to the winches. I was out yesterday in pretty good wind with the Genoa reefed and sheeted in pretty tight. The cheek block was screeching as we went over the waves. Interestingly it was only the Port Block the Starboard Block was fine. I figure its time to replace both. Is it a standard size that just needs to be measured or are they a special order item? I was thinking of replacing them with Garhauer.
Cheek Blocks
- Thread starter MarkW
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Close Replacement
I replaced both of mine a few years ago. My starboard one blew up. It's an '86 and the plastic parts will only take so many years of sun & water, then they get brittle. My turning blocks on the deck have also blown up and needed replacing. The jib sheet turning blocks I used for a replacement were made by Harken (model number is not known). They were a close fit and I needed to add a few holes in the deck. Since I did not want to lose anymore sailing time I decided to not search for the perfect fit (was the middle of summer). There is not much room on the underside for the fasteners, so be careful where you add the new holes (if you choose this route). They have held up wonderfully this past season, even in the 20 knot winds we were caught in a few times. I hope this is helpful for you.
I replaced both of mine a few years ago. My starboard one blew up. It's an '86 and the plastic parts will only take so many years of sun & water, then they get brittle. My turning blocks on the deck have also blown up and needed replacing. The jib sheet turning blocks I used for a replacement were made by Harken (model number is not known). They were a close fit and I needed to add a few holes in the deck. Since I did not want to lose anymore sailing time I decided to not search for the perfect fit (was the middle of summer). There is not much room on the underside for the fasteners, so be careful where you add the new holes (if you choose this route). They have held up wonderfully this past season, even in the 20 knot winds we were caught in a few times. I hope this is helpful for you.
We will be ready soon
We had a double whammy 18 months ago: replacing the starboard cheek block (sheave disintergrated and jammed the jib in the '...tip the boat over if we don't do something fast' mode) and, in our haste, jammed and pushed the shabby gap-tooth sheaves on the deck organizer past the breaking point. Neither has a modular replacement. believe me, we are frugal sailors who looked all over. We bought a similar cheek block at West Marine and a similar deck organizer at the same time. We took the cheek block to Howdy Bailey (well-respected builder of many racing boats): he grinded off the base and used the old base to weld onto his piece of thick stainless steel. The starboard deck organizer was a luckier fit: one bolt fit and one hole drilled. equals $70 + $60 to Howdy + $75 for the deck organizer. Take care, Joe
We had a double whammy 18 months ago: replacing the starboard cheek block (sheave disintergrated and jammed the jib in the '...tip the boat over if we don't do something fast' mode) and, in our haste, jammed and pushed the shabby gap-tooth sheaves on the deck organizer past the breaking point. Neither has a modular replacement. believe me, we are frugal sailors who looked all over. We bought a similar cheek block at West Marine and a similar deck organizer at the same time. We took the cheek block to Howdy Bailey (well-respected builder of many racing boats): he grinded off the base and used the old base to weld onto his piece of thick stainless steel. The starboard deck organizer was a luckier fit: one bolt fit and one hole drilled. equals $70 + $60 to Howdy + $75 for the deck organizer. Take care, Joe
Garhauer
Replaced our cheek blocks a couple seasons ago. Local marina had Garhauer fabricate custom plates with holes to match the old blocks. The holes were threaded so we figured the best way was to match exactly so we could reattach with new screws. Garhauer is top shelf hardware, but lower cost than the big names.
Replaced our cheek blocks a couple seasons ago. Local marina had Garhauer fabricate custom plates with holes to match the old blocks. The holes were threaded so we figured the best way was to match exactly so we could reattach with new screws. Garhauer is top shelf hardware, but lower cost than the big names.
I would also recommend Garhauer.
Mark: I would also recommend that you try Garhauer. If you take you existing blocks off and take them over to Garhauer, they can custom drill the plates so you will not have to fill and redrill any holes. They are located in Ontario,Ca.
Mark: I would also recommend that you try Garhauer. If you take you existing blocks off and take them over to Garhauer, they can custom drill the plates so you will not have to fill and redrill any holes. They are located in Ontario,Ca.
I replaced both of mine with garhauer
I replaced both of mine with garhauer blocks. But I didn't think to have them custom drilled. I filled the old holes with west system and redrilled new ones. Then through bolted the garhauer blocks on. If you send them a tracing of your bolt pattern I sure they will drill as you ask. They are really good people, call them
I replaced both of mine with garhauer blocks. But I didn't think to have them custom drilled. I filled the old holes with west system and redrilled new ones. Then through bolted the garhauer blocks on. If you send them a tracing of your bolt pattern I sure they will drill as you ask. They are really good people, call them
I'm a believer.......
...in Garhauer products, but I would suggest at least considering Harken's lockable cheek blocks. I switched from the stock cheeks on my boat to the lockable and saved needing a second set of winches for the spinn sheets. Just lock the genoa sheet in the cheek and remove the sheet from the winch and switch it to the spinn sheets.....works great.
...in Garhauer products, but I would suggest at least considering Harken's lockable cheek blocks. I switched from the stock cheeks on my boat to the lockable and saved needing a second set of winches for the spinn sheets. Just lock the genoa sheet in the cheek and remove the sheet from the winch and switch it to the spinn sheets.....works great.
foot block replacements
gahauer is the way to go. High quality and low prices with super service. highly recomned. thanks Mike
gahauer is the way to go. High quality and low prices with super service. highly recomned. thanks Mike
Switched to Harken
I switched out my old Schaefer cheek blocks to Harken's Hexaratchet. Two of the holes lined up, other two I had to drill and tap.
I switched out my old Schaefer cheek blocks to Harken's Hexaratchet. Two of the holes lined up, other two I had to drill and tap.
I installed double decked cheek blocks so I can run the genoa sheet through the lower and spinnaker sheet through the upper - works OK - all the hardware on the boat is now Harken or Schaefer - a few dollars but worth the reliability. Mike
Exact replacement
One of my Lewmar cheek blocks had to be replaced last year. I received an exact replacement from Peter Linwick at Florida Rigging and Hydraulics: 800-718-1649. No special filling or drilling.
One of my Lewmar cheek blocks had to be replaced last year. I received an exact replacement from Peter Linwick at Florida Rigging and Hydraulics: 800-718-1649. No special filling or drilling.
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