One of the deck blocks at the base of my mast has bit the big one and I will probably need to replace it.
My Compac 23 has external halyards. They come down from the mast to a deck block near the base of the mast. The deck block is thru bolted on the cabin roof.
Early on I had a thought to drill out the old pin that held the old sheave, since it is the sheave that died, and put a new sheave. I can't seem to see the size of the sheave.
While I was looking for that I came across three similar blocks on ebay. Assuming that they were the same ones I bought them since they were at a good price. They were the same manufacturer, Ronstan, and they were in good shape.
When I got the blocks they were a size or two bigger than the original blocks. It is ebay so I can't send them back and, in fact, they are nicer. You can remove the sheave and the sheave is aluminum.
Now I am thinking about installing one of these to replace the old block that is broken. I have the room etc. The biggest issue is the new hole pattern. That isn't necessarily a bad thing and I know that I will bed the new blocks with butyl tape.
My big question is what is the best way to fill the old holes from the old hardware? It is highly possible that the old holes will be covered by the base of the new block which is good, cosmetically. Still, would marine tex be suitable? Any other suggestions?
My Compac 23 has external halyards. They come down from the mast to a deck block near the base of the mast. The deck block is thru bolted on the cabin roof.
Early on I had a thought to drill out the old pin that held the old sheave, since it is the sheave that died, and put a new sheave. I can't seem to see the size of the sheave.
While I was looking for that I came across three similar blocks on ebay. Assuming that they were the same ones I bought them since they were at a good price. They were the same manufacturer, Ronstan, and they were in good shape.
When I got the blocks they were a size or two bigger than the original blocks. It is ebay so I can't send them back and, in fact, they are nicer. You can remove the sheave and the sheave is aluminum.
Now I am thinking about installing one of these to replace the old block that is broken. I have the room etc. The biggest issue is the new hole pattern. That isn't necessarily a bad thing and I know that I will bed the new blocks with butyl tape.
My big question is what is the best way to fill the old holes from the old hardware? It is highly possible that the old holes will be covered by the base of the new block which is good, cosmetically. Still, would marine tex be suitable? Any other suggestions?
