Just received my new Garhauer blocks for the mainsheet. I went with the 60 Series USHL based on the recommendations I read here. They’re much bigger than the Garhauers on there now. They’re also built like a tank. I’m really hoping the mounting holes are the same for the standing block.
I’ve also read that the choker block should be a 60 Series, up from the size that’s probably there now. I’ve searched for the block recommendations mentioned in the choker replacement thread but couldn’t find them. Can someone either post them or the link?
Looking forward to a couple of great sailing days!
Carol Thorsten-Stein
NS 30U Might as Well
North Shore, Boston
I’ve said this several years before. I have broken that main sheet standing block twice. I have considered installing a stronger one. However, what will break instead?? The deck possibly??
Joe Valinoti
S/V IL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
I do recall that a thread some time ago referred to using a pad eye on the aft deck beside the standup block to share the load between two points on the deck. Not sure what separation or location would be needed. You would not need a becket block for the standup then. The Sheet would terminate at the pad eye, go up to the 60 series boom block, down to the standup block and then to the final block at the stern quarter before going to the winch.
I have not installed a pad eye but if I had known this (or been sharp enough to think of it) I would have done it at the time. Seems like a fairly simple, inexpensive bit of insurance.
Also, I replaced all of the sheet and choker related blocks several years ago and have been completely satisfied. I purchased Garhauer 60 series (standard, not HL) from Murray Cressman who many in INA have worked with. I do not think he is still doing this, but it is very easy to purchase direct from Garhauer as, I think, you have found. Murray included the following paragraph in our correspondence about choker and sheet blocks:
“The 3 most undersized blocks on NONSUCH are the CHOKER block @ front of WISHBONE, the sheet block @ aft end of wishbone & the standup swivel c/w becket for the sheet mounted on aft side of cockpit coaming. These blocks SHOULD have a SWL of 3500 lb. Even 2800 SWL have failed in these locations, but are OK for all other locations. The “standup” should be ordered complete, & it will have the same footprint as the existing block .”
According to Garhauer’s catalog the standard 60 series blocks have this 3500 lb SWL. Your 60HLs must have an even higher SWL, which I could not find. I am completely happy with my choice. I worked directly with Garhauer on another purchase, and they are perhaps the easiest company I have ever experienced working with.
Fred Rachwitz
Concerto
NS 30 U #445
Harbor Springs, MI
Northern Lake Michigan
How many owners have experienced a failure of the sheeting system?
I have taken it for granted that the “system” is well engineered, recognizing that there can never be guarantees that failures will not occur, but they should be rare enough that other risks take priority.
Is this a recognized weakness in the Nonsuch design?
I was having this exact conversation with a buddy this morning, down at the boat. He (a sloop sailor) felt that the “system” was well-designed. And I, like Joe, feel that all is well until a flying gybe occurs.
I am going to beef up this “system” BEFORE something blows.
Based on the recommendations of some other Nonsuch owners and an article in the INA newsletter, a couple of years ago I added a padeye behind the standup block. It does theoretically half the load on each attachment point. Still not sure that I'm happy with the set up. I have a problem with the mainsheet twisting and I think it contributes to the problem. Also, the lower attachment point results in the sheet rubbing against the coaming when the choker is loose.
I may return to the "as designed" configuration. If I ever have a crash jibe that breaks the standup block, I can reattach the sheet with a snatch block to the padeye. And the way I see it, it's better for the standup block to break than for the block at the end of the wishbone boom to break. At least I'd still have control of the wishbone. Anyway, those are my current thoughts.
I’ve forgotten who, but sometime back we had a discussion concerning travelers. Attached are three photos showing how I installed a traveler system using two padeyes, a block and 1/4” Dyneema as the runner. 0004 shows the port side, 0005 the starboard and 0003 an overhead view. It’s not perfect, but it makes a big difference going to windward in that it keeps the wishbone from bouncing since it pulls down as opposed to pulling it over. However, going downwind it tends to lay against the pushpit railing. Previously, when racing, I rigged a vang from the wishbone to the eyebolts located at each after chock shown in 0003. I’m still tinkering with it.
Joe Valinoti
S/V IL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
