Call Garhauer, they're a class act. FWIW, I notice you've got Harken
blocks now so you could just look the blocks up at Harken's site and
see what the working load is. You might also try Harken's rule of
thumb formula for mainsail loading:

ML = E^2 * P^2 * 0.00431 * V^2 / (sqrt(P^2+E^2)) * (E-X)

where
ML = sheet load in lbs
E = foot length of main in feet
P = luff length of main in feet
V = wind speed in knots
X = distance from aft end of boom to mainsheet attachment in feet.

I think the mid-range 2k SWL blocks will likely work for you.

-- Tom.

You might also try Harken's rule of
thumb formula for mainsail loading:

ML = E^2 * P^2 * 0.00431 * V^2 / (sqrt(P^2+E^2)) * (E-X)

where
ML = sheet load in lbs
E = foot length of main in feet
P = luff length of main in feet
V = wind speed in knots
X = distance from aft end of boom to mainsheet attachment in feet.

I think the mid-range 2k SWL blocks will likely work for you.

-- Tom.


Thanks, Tom!


Robert
35s5
NY

On 21 Nov 2006 19:51:37 -0800, "
wrote:

FWIW, I notice you've got Harken
blocks now

Yes, that's what I was thinking.

Unless you just want to replace them for cosmetic reasons, my guess is
that they could be easily reconditioned with a fresh water rinse to
get the salt out of the bearings. Those blocks last just about
forever unless they've been seriously abused.

Unless you just want to replace them for cosmetic reasons, my guess is
that they could be easily reconditioned with a fresh water rinse to
get the salt out of the bearings. Those blocks last just about
forever unless they've been seriously abused.



That's yet another good point. I certainly won't toss them out if they
are good. I'll either clean them up and ebay them or keep 'em for
backup. I have a large selection of blocks that I've acquired over the
last few years....so a few more won't hurt.



Robert
35s5
NY

Capt. Rob wrote:
Unless you just want to replace them for cosmetic reasons, my guess is
that they could be easily reconditioned with a fresh water rinse to
get the salt out of the bearings. Those blocks last just about
forever unless they've been seriously abused.



That's yet another good point. I certainly won't toss them out if they
are good. I'll either clean them up and ebay them or keep 'em for
backup. I have a large selection of blocks that I've acquired over the
last few years....so a few more won't hurt.

So why replace them? If they may still be quite functional, what's
the point?

So why replace them? If they may still be quite functional, what's
the point?



Well, they ARE old and tired "looking" and who knows how well then spin
under high load after 16 years? Cosmetics are certainly a factor.
Replacing them isn't expensive. If they still work fine after cleaning
I'll trade them for a nice new Nikon lens!



Robert
35s5
NY

On Wed, 22 Nov 2006 08:42:23 -0500, Jeff wrote:

So why replace them? If they may still be quite functional, what's
the point?

They look a bit weathered from the picture which could be an issue for
some people. I've never tried this but suspect that a little rubbing
compound or something like Armor All would clean them up to an
acceptable level.

So why replace them? If they may still be quite functional, what's
the point?


Shucks, I've bought old boats that were rigged with Harken
blocks... stripped off the rigging & thrown the rest of the
boat away.

You can replace the bearings in them, but that's only
desireable if they've been used hard for a long time & not
had the salt (and/or other gunk) rinsed out of them often
enough.

BTW it's not a good idea to use WD-40 as a lubricant for
these kinds of things. It only makes dirt cling to the
bearing surfaces.


Wayne.B wrote:
They look a bit weathered from the picture which could be an issue for
some people. I've never tried this but suspect that a little rubbing
compound or something like Armor All would clean them up to an
acceptable level.


FSR paste.

DSK

"DSK" wrote in message
...
BTW it's not a good idea to use WD-40 as a lubricant for these kinds of
things. It only makes dirt cling to the bearing surfaces.


Yeah. McLube rules!

"Jeff" wrote in message
. ..
Capt. Rob wrote:
Unless you just want to replace them for cosmetic
reasons, my guess is
that they could be easily reconditioned with a fresh
water rinse to
get the salt out of the bearings. Those blocks last
just about
forever unless they've been seriously abused.



That's yet another good point. I certainly won't toss
them out if they
are good. I'll either clean them up and ebay them or
keep 'em for
backup. I have a large selection of blocks that I've
acquired over the
last few years....so a few more won't hurt.

So why replace them? If they may still be quite
functional, what's
the point?

Maybe he's worried that the guy he ''acquired'' them from
will recognize them.

SBV