How To Measure Sailing Blocks?

In sailing, blocks are maintenance-free and usually riveted housings. They can only be inspected from the outside, and open ball bearings or roller bearing blocks should be rinsed. Blocks are used in purchase systems on sailboats to better control the high amounts of load created by wind and sails. To make this task simpler, designers should design blocks that run freely.

In sailing, a block is a single or multiple pulley enclosed in an assembly between cheeks or chocks. In use, a block is fixed to the end of a line. Practical Sailors tested 40mm blocks and found that they steered clear of even the SWL. To determine the proper size of lines and blocks and other hardware on a new-to-you boat, an experienced rigger can provide working load numbers for each control.

Sailing blocks are used for various purposes onboard a yacht or sailboat. When consulting about products, ensure you have at hand the dimensions, weight of the boat, and dimensions of the sails. The best way to determine the right sizes of blocks is to use professionally prepared plans.

Using the spinnakers sail area to determine the size of Midrange or high-load Midrange blocks for the sheet and afterguy controls is essential. The mechanical advantage of a rope and pulley system is typically referred to as purchase. Creating purchase in the mainsheet is crucial for a precise and reliable sailboat rigging system.