wooden blocks

[kewlrunninz]

Hi All..I am replacing all the blocks on my 64' Gaff Ketch. and am sourcing out a supplier that offers large blocks for running rigging 1/2 - 5/8 inch. Seeking doubles and singles. Definetly not Teak cheeked, possible Ash or? with Stainless/Galvd. strapping.
My vessel is Danish built 1903 sailing trawler, so commercial supplier would be more suited than Yacht chandler.
Thanks for any leads .....Peter

[Don Kurylko]

Hi Peter,

Try: A. Dauphinee & Sons Limited
P.O. Box 115
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
B0J 2C0
Phone and Fax No. 902 634-8460

They make traditional blocks for yachts as well as for commercial applications. From 3” right up to 12” shells, in ash, oak and lignum vitae, with galvanized or bronze sheaves, straps and fittings.

They have about the best prices around too, and I have searched around quite a bit without finding anything comparable. The problem is I haven’t actually seen any of their blocks, so I can’t vouch for their quality. I do know that they supplied the SALTS Robertson II project. If you’re in Victoria you might have a look and ask around.

Perhaps someone on the forum might have more to say about them. MMD?

Cheers,
Don

[reddog]

Peter;
Give Arthur a call at the number Don posted above.I'm sure you won't be disappointed.They have been making blocks and doing iron work for ships and boats for years.Excellent quality and honest work.
Earl

[mmd]

Ayup, I'll chime in with a reccommendation for Dauphinee's. Your only problem may be lead time - they are always busy and always have a waiting list. Shop early!

[TimothyB]

There's also Wood & Water:

http://www.woodwater.com/productsp1.htm

They do black locust blocks and do custom work. I'm sure you could ask them to do things in stainless or galvanized, and with a bulk order could get a deal as their regular prices are a might high (but then, they are handmade). If you kept them oiled, they should last until about 2 days after forever. ;)

[Mike Field]

.
Jarrah blocks from Conrads --

http://www.woodenboatfittings.com.au/public/conrads-blocks-s.jpg

Stainless steel bindings, phophor-bronzxe roller sheaves, jarrah shells -- beautiful....
.

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

I think that "commercial" blocks for working craft were usually made of elm. They were quite a bit cheaper than ash ones - I have no idea why except the dreaded yottie mark up. Mirelle still has her elm cheeked "commercial grade" blocks - I have re-galvanised the bindings, renewed the pins, etc...!