Main outhaul cheek block replacement

[Libations Too]

On my last outing a cheek block on my main sail outhaul system failed; a cursory search for parts suggests this little repair project will be interesting.

My outhaul track and failed cheek block appear to be original...mounted on the port side of the boom. The track is 3/4" and the failed Schaefer cheek block is welded to a slider/car. The slider/cheek block assembly is moved along the track by a line secured to a pad eye (near the forward end of the track), which then passes through the cheek block, and returns forward along the boom to a cleat. The cheek block itself is attached to a wire rope that runs to the aft end of the boom, turns through a second cheek block (this one is still okay), and then runs forward to fasten to the clew fitting that slides in the boom track.

While I do not have all of the failed parts it appears that the Schaefer cheek block utilized 1-7/16 sheeve held between SS cheek plates that were about 2" in length. The car/slider itself measures about 3" in length. I have checked Rig Rite, Schaefer's web page, West Marine, Garhauer and can not find a suitable replacement.

I certainly do not want to replace the track and allow this repair project to grow into more than it really is; my focus is on replacing the cheek block and car/slide. If this does not work I suppose I could use my trusty Dremel tool to grind away the welds, separate the failed cheek block from the slide, and have someone weld a new cheek block to the slide.

Have any of you been down this path before? All thoughts and suggestions will be appreciated!

[Dolce_Vita]

You'll probably find that the cheek block is riveted, not welded.

I had a somewhat related failure a few years ago.  The sheave in a genoa car block disintegrated.  I was able to repair it by drilling out the riveted pin, tapping it out with a drift, and replacing the sheave with a new one.  I replaced the pin with a SS bolt and a SS nyloc nut.  The whole repair cost me $12.  A new car was WAY more!

If you can find an equivilent cheek block (too bad you don't have the missing face), you should be able to effect a similar repair.  Drill out the existing pins, drill out the pins in the new block, and bolt it all together.  You'll have to use countersunk heads on the bolts, and countersink the holes on the track side of the car in order for things to clear.

This may be close to the block you need:  http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|118|2358452|2358463&id=118410

[Libations Too]

Thanks Ed,

Yes, the 03-03 block appears to be the same as the one that failed. Unfortunately it is welded to the slider.

But your idea just might work...even if I have to buy a new block. My wife thought that I picked something up off the deck and tossed it below. I know it was not the sheeve...but it may have been the face plate. Another trip to the boat and perhaps one to the consignment chandlery will be my next step.

[Dolce_Vita]

if you can find the faceplate, maybe you can get away with just getting a sheave and a bushing:

http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|118|2358478|2358480&id=118195

[Libations Too]

Just back from the boat...I was lucky enough to find the outer face plate so I think this is now heading in the right direction.

The slider assembly did retain the bushings and I can now say that this block is not the same as the Schaefer 03-03. The bushing is only 17/32" high and has an O.D of 5/16". This matches Schaefer sheave 62-031, which I ordered from Fisheries Supply in Seattle. Cost was $12.51 plus $6 postage. Now all that I need to do is find the right SS machine screws and nyloc nuts...and I am pretty sure that won't be a problem.

Thanks again Ed for an excellent suggestion on how to make this repair without too much fuss.

[Dolce_Vita]

Just back from the boat...I was lucky enough to find the outer face plate so I think this is now heading in the right direction.

The slider assembly did retain the bushings ...

Excellent news!

... and I can now say that this block is not the same as the Schaefer 03-03. The bushing is only 17/32" high and has an O.D of 5/16". This matches Schaefer sheave 62-031, which I ordered from Fisheries Supply in Seattle. Cost was $12.51 plus $6 postage. Now all that I need to do is find the right SS machine screws and nyloc nuts...and I am pretty sure that won't be a problem.

Great!   Keep us posted, and be sure to take some pictures!

Thanks again Ed for an excellent suggestion on how to make this repair without too much fuss.

My Pleasure!  Glad I could help.

[selene]

Hey Ed, my jib car just failed in the same way, so thanks for the photos, gives me a head start on the repair.  I think all of our Delrin sheaves are finally breaking up - 30 years is not too bad a service life. I'll have to do the rounds and keep an eye on all of them - no doubt the cheek block will be next to go....