What can this block be for?

[Greenheart]

Easy enough to see how a block located in the foredeck by the mast, can haul down something from aloft during use, with a line led back to the cockpit...

...but I've noticed a block beside my mast, whose sheave would only lead a line from above, to a position below or forward of the mast!

View attachment 31510

That's the mast, top left. Is the block back to front? Not that I can see exactly what it'd be for the other way round, either.

I'm thinking it may be for pulling down the spinnaker pole...that would explain the line arriving at the block from ahead...but wouldn't there need to be another in the same position on the port side? Plus...there's nothing below the block to lead the line aft. It'd just rub against the black plastic in view.

 

[Downsman]

The fixings? Do you know if they are just screws into the deck, or are they bolted through with backing pads. I'm wondering about block loading..it may give a clue as to usage. Also, is there a 'vacant' block aloft on that side of the mast?

 

[Greenheart]

Do you know if they are just screws into the deck, or are they bolted through with backing pads. I'm wondering about block loading..it may give a clue as to usage. Also, is there a 'vacant' block aloft on that side of the mast?

No backing pads, it's a lightweight job screwed through the fibreglass, which is pretty rugged just there. No vacant block on the mast either, although I'll look closely.

Seatrout, I ought to have mentioned it's an Osprey dinghy, so moorings and electronics on board aren't likely to have featured much.

 

[ProMariner]

May the boat at one time have had a jib furl fitted? it may be just a way to lead the furler line down to the CB case/wherever.

First bet would be for a bungee pole downhaul. But surprised it was not fitted to the centreline, it would have a habit of pulling the pole aft on a light starboard tack run.

Plastic breadboard makes very tidy, rot proof, dimensionally stable mast chocks. You want to chock the mast sideways too.

 

[Greenheart]

May the boat at one time have had a jib furl fitted? it may be just a way to lead the furler line down to the CB case/wherever.

First bet would be for a bungee pole downhaul. But surprised it was not fitted to the centreline, it would have a habit of pulling the pole aft on a light starboard tack run.

Plastic breadboard makes very tidy, rot proof, dimensionally stable mast chocks. You want to chock the mast sideways too.

Thank you, that's all very good thinking! Those plywood chocks are very crumbly, much worse even since I bought the boat in March. Cheap ply, I s'pose. And I was wondering about wedges for sideways bend, just this morning. Might use those rubber door-wedges.

Roller furler...that's probably the answer to the block query, though the boat isn't fitted with the rest of the gear now. It's on my list, though. Cheers.

 

[emsworthy]

Not sure what it was for but furler would be a good guess. Whatever it was used for it was quite regular and pulled from sitting out on the starboard side looking at the wear on the sheave casing.

 

[dunedin]

May the boat at one time have had a jib furl fitted? it may be just a way to lead the furler line down to the CB case/wherever.

Good call, as Ospreys did often have jib furling, due to the very large genoa. Often used to see them launching with the genoa furled, and between races. Can't recall if they also furled when the kite was up - suspect the fashion and practice changed

 

[Tomahawk]

On an Osprey it might also be a flap or cover for the chute in the bow...

They are great fun.. very stable and fast enjoy!!

 

[Greenheart]

They are great fun.. very stable and fast enjoy!!

Thanks to all for these thoughts and insights...though my example is pretty antique, hence I'm taking a while to fettle her for the season.

I'll begin a thread on roller-genoas for dinghies.

 

[FistralG]

Control line for a mast ram?