Serviceable Blocks

[blahman]

Hello all,

What are some brands or manufacturers of blocks which are serviceable? I have not seen blocks with removable bearings and shafts offered in chandlers, but would like to be able to take my blocks apart and grease them.

Further, I'd like blocks with metal sheaves, preferable stainless or bronze. I'm not opposed to wooden blocks, but they seem to be unnaturally expensive (~$125/ea for singles).

If it makes a difference, I'm looking for a set of cheek, single, and perhaps a a double with becket, and double without.

Thanks for your time!
Aaron N.

[David M]

Many blocks have bearings that do not need grease. Generally, you don't need a metal sheave unless you are running wire through it. Wood, although pretty and nostalgic, is not as durable or as light as the metal or synthetic blocks.

To answer your question, I would look through the catalogs of the major block manufacturers. Harken is the first one that comes to mind. Many blocks, especially the more expensive ones, can be disassembled.

For the cheaper blocks, once the bearings and raceways wear out, its cheaper to buy a new block anyway. That's why they do not make the inexpensive blocks repairable...I'm sure new replacement parts would cost more than a new block. Plus its more expensive to manufacture a block that is repairable.

http://www.harkenstore.com/uniface.u...lcmw1.showPage

[blahman]

David,

I had not seen the Harken blocks with removable shafts. But, I refuse to spend $500 on a single block. While I realize delrin sheaves are OK, I have cracked several that were sun degraded. Metal sheaves don't degrade, and while they may be ideal for wire, they aren't phased by rope and seem to last longer.

Other ideas for reasonably priced blocks with metal sheaves, and, preferably, metal bearings? Companies love to tout their high-performance specialty plastic bearings, but all plastics I know of break down in the sun and elements.

Thanks,
Aaron N.

[Charlie]

Garhauer Marine Hardware -8225905 These do not meet your specs but are very good quality and considerably cheaper then the name brand stuff

[Bash]

Harken makes an ESP series of blocks specifically for cruisers. They are less expensive than the lightweight blocks racers tend to want. I've been moving to the 75mm ESP blocks and am delighted with them.

[Splash Gordon]

Looked at Antal? You can get them from EuroMarine.