The J/109 Class Association Forum

I had Harken carbo 40 fiddle blocks on the forward ends of the genoa cars. Both broke across the smaller sheave this weekend in 25 or so knots gusts with the class jib up (and no barberhauler). Fortunately only one break was very explosive and the car did not come off the track, so we could jury rig and continue to race easily. I had thought these to be original equipment, but perhaps not ? clearly I need something beefier, or maybe a double instead of the fiddle ? what is everyone else using ? the pic shows the port side block which had a becket as well, and you can see the pin holding the sheave just blew out. the other was fractured across the faceplate and the whole smaller sheave is gone.

Hravn hull #34.

thanks,

Todd.

The owners manual specifies a 40mm Carbo Fiddle block Harken 2655 which is rated at 485 lbs maximum working load, 1620 lbs breaking load. Perhaps increase the size to a 57mm Carbo Fiddle block Harken 2621 which is rated at 792 lbs maximum working load, 2380 lbs breaking load.

I think I'll try the equivalent ronstan 40 mm fiddles. they have a metal strap.

I just looked at the Ronstan block specs for the Harken equivalent. It appears that Ronstan blocks are rated for more load than the Harken blocks.

Ronstan RF41500 Block Specs
Sheave Ø (in): 1 9/16 + 15/16 in.
Maximum line Ø (in): 5/16 in.
Weight (oz): 3.2 oz.
Shackle pin Ø (in): 3/16 in.
Maximum working load (lb): 880 lb.
Breaking load (lb): 2200 lb.

Harken 2655 Block Specs
Sheave Ø (in): 1 9/16 in
Maximum line Ø (in): 3/8 in
Length (in): 4 1/2 in
Weight (oz): 1.8 oz
Shackle pin Ø (in): 5/32 in
Maximum working load (lb): 485 lb
Breaking load (lb): 1620 lb

Ronstan Block

twice the weight nearly, but probably more robust