[C38] Genoa sheet foot block

[Don Strong]

Phil: We use the foot blocks. They are oldebutgoodie Schafer's, "battleship 
issue" with 3 3/4" diameter aluminum sheaves and a 7\8 " stainless center 
shaft. The Schaefer replacement is ca $1,000. The Garhauer replacement, 
even with custom bolt pattern, is about $225. I almost bought Garhauer 
replacements, but first gave renovation a try. The renovation worked. I 
rebuilt the sheaves by sanding out the interior of the bushing to enlarge 
the interior diameter. The sheave had corroded at the bushing 
interface.  The corrosion expanded the bushing, decreased the interior 
diameter and caused it to seize on the heavy stainless shaft of the block 
body. These blocks are exposed to huge forces when you crank on that winch 
to flatten the headsail. From what you describe, I would recommend the 
Garhauer replacement. Call them and chat; they are very interactive and 
helpful. As I recall, there is a knowledgeable woman concerning blocks.
don

At 10:15 PM 5/21/2006 +0000, you wrote:
>After a spirited sail last week, I noticed that the sheave on my port 
>genoa sheet foot block had cracked into two pieces.  The block was made by 
>Schafer Marine and actually unscrews for sheave replacement.  The sheave 
>is a delrin plastic.  I found an exact replacement sheave at our local 
>West Marine store, but the two bolts that hold it together are bent.  The 
>bushings that go between the faces of the block are in great shape.
>
>I can't decide whether to find some bolts and but it back together or put 
>something better in its place.  I would guess that the reason that the 
>block deformed is because it was underdesigned for this purpose.  Garhauer 
>makes some nice ball bearing replacement foot blocks.  On the other hand 
>going with the new design would mean designing an angled shim and drilling 
>new holes in the deck.
>
>I think that I recall that some C38 owners don't use these foot blocks, 
>but I don't understand how one could get a fair lead from the track 
>mounted sheet blocks to the primary winches without them.
>
>How have list members solved this problem?
>
>Phil Gay
>C38 049 Que Linda
>Everett, WA
>_______________________________________________
>Listserve mailing list
>Listserve at catalina38.org
>http://catalina38.org/mailman/listinfo/listserve_catalina38.org