They said there were "zero failures"
Can I possibly be that lucky?
I doubt that statistic based on how thin the wall on the Beckett is.
When this block blew, it was pretty scary.
Personally, I would get something else.
The strongest version of this is Schaeffer.
Solid stainless block sides.
If you want a photo, I'll send it
It will set you back about 50 -60 bucks. Pretty small number for the piece of mind you'll have
BTW, if you look closely at the fracture, it sure looks like a defect in the material.
Something necessitated Rutgerson to change materials, and they did mention UV in their response to me.
As I use my mast base blocks to take someone aloft, I will be getting rid of all my Rutgerson blocks at the mast base.
The reasons are as follows:
Unlike even the lower end Harken, Lewmar, etc., there are no bearings in any of these blocks. Just a pulley riding on a pin.
I loosened off several halyards, and spun the blocks.
They are all binding up.
In other words, they don't rotate freely.
I am concerned about the material on these
If one block exploded the way it did, am I at risk on the others.
Rutgerson wouldn't give me any load data, so I have no idea if they are being over-stressed.
I would like to depend on my mast base blocks to take a man aloft when necessary. Based on my recent experience, I will only use Other snatch blocks I have on board.
As Rutgerson said their blocks can be broken with shock loads, this is way too risky for me.