Genoa Block Sheave Replacement.

[fritz3000g]

Schaefer Genoa blocks are expensive.

https://hardware.schaefermarine.com/ind ... h=91_93_97

The rollers on my 3/4 jib blocks are shot, but the track attachment and spring are fine. I'd like to upgrade to a sheave that can hold a 1/2 in sheet.

Anyone ever replaced the sheave but not the rest of the genoa block? What did you order?

[Frenchy]

Schaefer has a good service dept. and if you contact them, they will give you
an estimate to replace the sheave. I have dealt with them and even received free replacement parts on one occasion. - Jean

[Steve Laume]

I have replaced mine with these. a better block with ball bearings for far less money. Probably cheaper than rebuilding your old ones. https://www.garhauermarine.com/product- ... -hardware/

[fritz3000g]

Thanks I'll look at those blocks and see if I can find the right one!

Another option would be to extend my Genoa track four more feet. Anyone done that? It would mean no more switching sheets.

[bottomscraper]

Like Steve we went with Garhauer also, no regrets!

[s2sailorlis]

Yours is a 3/4” track, right. I don’t think Garhauer makes them in that size but I’ve heard they might do a custom fit for people. Did you look at harken or ronstan?

Thanks I'll look at those blocks and see if I can find the right one!

Another option would be to extend my Genoa track four more feet. Anyone done that? It would mean no more switching sheets.

[Coosaw]

Fritz,
In the last 5 years I've had to replace the sheaves twice on the Schaeffer jib sheet blocks. After consulting with Schaeffer, we decided the blocks that they offered for the 3/4" track were too light weight for the loads on the working jib on my CD26. My solution was to replace the slides with Barton Marine Size 2 which fits the 3/4" track and for the new blocks I used Lewmar 72mm Synchro block. This is a much beefier set up than the Schaeffer set up. I purchased the parts from Defender Marine in Nov. 2021 and the total cost was $170
Rick
ACHATES

[fritz3000g]

Thanks Rick I'll investigate that too!

Any reason not to go with a longer track instead? That way I'd only have one set of cars to maintain.

https://www.garhauer.com.au/index.php?r ... uct_id=158

[fritz3000g]

Rick, is there a reason that you wanted to replace the genoa car instead of just the block?

Did you get this style:

https://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?p ... id=1821970#

Or this one:

https://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?p ... id=1821990#

[Coosaw]

Fritz,
I used the first block you listed, item #615623. In order to use this block I had to replace the old Schaffer jib track car. In my case the light weight block and the Schaffer car were all one component and as I recall the Lewmar block would not fit on the Schaffer car. I have been well pleased with the upgrade. Hope this helps.
Rick

[Coosaw]

Fritz
I need to correct the Defender item number that I posted to you last night. This morning I was on my boat and notice that my jib sheet blocks are the Lewmar ones with the toggle. That would be Defender part #615624.
Rick

[fritz3000g]

Thanks Rick! That's a little confusing, actually. How does the spring work with the toggle? I can see how it works with the interlocking U-bends. Which Barton slides did you use? Did you have to order the spring?

If I did use the toggle version of the Lewmar block, it seems like I could drill out the toggle from the existing Schaefer block, connect the two toggles together, and I'd be all set. It would flop over rather than hold itself upright, though if that ends up mattering I could drill a second set of holes in both toggles and add another pin. Does that make sense?

For reference:
https://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?p ... id=1821990#
https://hardware.schaefermarine.com/ind ... o5leidmtt0

[Coosaw]

Fritz
I used item Defender item #609270 for the jib track car. I felt like it would be stronger than the Schaefer slide and also easier to attach the new block to it.. With this set up, there would be no spring to hold the block upright which was not important to me.

I no longer have the old Schaefer slide/block so I can't visualize your thought on drilling out your original slide to attach the new Lewmar block. If you could do that, you could save around $90 for the Barton slides but maybe not have as strong of a set up.
Rick

[fritz3000g]

I found this block on sale for $10 at my mechanic's office. Pulled apart the old slide and this worked. Ordered another one for $32.



Clearly a hack, and it'll flop over onto the deck, but I'm good with it for now.

I do think I'll probably want to buy a 10' track someday so I can more easily furl singlehanded. I'm constantly alternating between full and half genoa. Releasing the jib and going forwards for 2 minutes to re-run the sheets is a big hassle.

[Coosaw]

Looks like you have solved that problem. Congratulations!