Turning block mounting toggle

[BigEasy]

I recently purchased some Lewmar 72mm blocks to use as turning blocks at the base of my mast for the roller furling main control lines. The blocks have a clevis pin that attaches onto a threaded eye toggle. The threaded end of the toggle screws into the mast plate on deck and the eye end is where the block attaches via the clevis pin. The previous blocks are a "no name"variety. The problem that I have is that the clevis pin diameter is too large to fit the eye on the toggle. The toggle size is too small to consider boring the eye to a larger diameter. Has anyone experienced this problem when replacing the OEM blocks? I could not find any suitable hardware at the major outlets. Any suggestions as to a source for appropriate sized toggles. I would expect that I will have the same problem with any block manufacturer's product. I would prefer not to use replacement "no name" blocks that would likely be available from Beneteau.

 

[Ted]

I can't answer your question but want to offer something else to consider when making your new block selection. Make sure that your new block, clevis pin and any other connection parts have the same or greater working load capability as the original equipment. On a boat your size, the loads are considerable and a catastrophic failure can be potentially dangerous or deadly.

 

[Ron20324]

[QUOTE="... I I would prefer not to use replacement "no name" blocks that would likely be available from Beneteau.[/QUOTE]

Maybe you SHOULD look at the Beneteau parts site. My 323 is all Lewmar, and that's what i got from them when ordering.

 

[BigEasy]

Ron,
Already checked Beneteau spare parts as well as US Spars. Both stock the no name blocks. May have to use that option as I have not been able to locate the appropriate size mounting toggles.

 

[Ron20324]

was 013252 and 298318 what you looked at?

 

[BigEasy]

Ron,
I am somewhat puzzled by your statement that you ordered turning blocks from Beneteau that were all Lewmar. I researched the blocks from Beneteau for both the 323 & 343; the part numbers are the same for both boats (one type of block is part #013252 and the other is #298318). These blocks are not Lewmar; there is no manufacture's identification anywhere on the block. Also the blocks don't resemble anything that Lewmar sells in any of the marine outfitters. Now, the blocks on the boom vang are Lewmar Synchro blocks. As I mentioned previously, the Lewmar block clevis pin will not fit the eye terminal at the base of the mast. I noted that the "no name" blocks from Beneteau & US Spars come complete with the block, clevis pin, and eye terminal for the mast.
I would prefer to replace the current blocks with a higher quality block; however, it appears that it will be more convenient to simply order the "no name" blocks that Beneteau sells and be done with it, as suitable eye terminals are not readily available.

 

[Ron20324]

If it looks like a Lewmar, works like a Lewmar, that doesn't mean it's a Lewmar. There's egg on my face. Went to the boat to look at all blocks, and you are right. I always assumed the original and add-ons were Lewmar. They are not. My apologies. Still, if the no-name is what you need and can't get them anywhere else...

 

[BigEasy]

No Problem Ron, I thank you for your input & help. I have reached the same conclusion as you, I plan to return the Lewmar Synchro blocks and simply purchase the "no name" blocks from Beneteau. I would like the ability to pick & choose the blocks that I use; however, I am not about to have new eye terminals fabricated by a machine shop to enable me to change blocks. The "no name" blocks have lasted for nine years, so they can,t be all that bad! I think this may be a case where US Spars designed the mast systems, terminals, blocks, etc and had them outsourced. They likely supplied the "package" to Beneteau with Beneteau's approval.