Blocks
Blocks – Precise Pulleys for Efficient Sailing
Pulleys are mounted on deck to divert ropes to the cockpit or winches for easier handling. Halyards coming out of the mast in particular are guided over the deck into the cockpit or to the helmsman by pulleys at the foot of the mast so that lines can also be operated from the cockpit by a small crew. It is important that the pulleys are correctly dimensioned, the construction is stable and the bearings run smoothly even under load. Good pulley bearings reduce friction, save energy and protect the ropes. Low weight of the pulleys with maximum performance is a particular criterion for regatta yachts.
Functions and Benefits of Blocks
If several deflection pulleys are mounted next to or on top of each other, the design should adapt to possible deck curvatures. This prevents leakage through screw holes and prevents distortion, which would make the pulleys run less smoothly. Minimised dimensions of deflection pulleys make them easy to use on deck, even on smaller yachts. Compass24 offers pulleys and pulley blocks for sailing boats and yachts in various designs and sizes. Blocks for wire and ropes are indispensable for operating the entire running rigging of a yacht. Smooth-running ball bearing blocks and heavy-duty plain bearing blocks made of various materials are used.
Stainless steel ball bearings are used for higher loads, plastic ball bearings for thinner sheets and halyards make the block lighter. The side parts of yacht blocks are also made of UV-resistant plastic or stainless steel. Depending on the use as a mainsheet block, downhaul block, genoa block and spinnaker block, there is a choice of plastic or stainless steel discs and rollers. Stainless steel pulleys hardly shrink and are highly resilient. Sheet blocks are designed as single disc blocks, double disc blocks and triple disc blocks, depending on the sail area, with the corresponding force reduction as a pulley block.
Why Blocks Are Essential
Ratchet blocks are used to trim sails quickly and easily. The breaking load and working load of blocks are the criteria for choosing the right block on sailing boats, in addition to the rigging thickness. The load on blocks depends on the sail area, size and weight of the boat as well as its use. On racing yachts, for example, pulleys and blocks are subjected to much higher loads. Deck equipment with blocks includes swivels, shackles, sheet cleats and cam cleats. The Compas online shop offers a huge range of yacht and sail blocks, pulleys and clamps for all ropes on board.