Inspect Parts Every Time You Sail
WARNING! Failure to inspect and correct block, strop
and Velcro, and stop or lashing can result in block
breaking below rated load. Inspect parts each time you
sail. If parts are under load during long passages, it is
important to inspect them carefully while underway. If
in doubt, replace.
Inspect strop. Replace if there are signs of fatigue, strand
separation, wear, or if the colored tracer fades from UV
damage.
WARNING! Make sure Velcro band is correctly wrapped
and has good holding properties. If the
band does not hold, the sheet can catch the open slots
when sail is flogging and accidentally open.
Always check the Velcro band to make sure it is secure.
Replace the band if it loses holding ability. Check and replace
stop ball if it becomes worn.
WARNING! Never attach load-bearing lashings, loop, or
strop to the head of the block. This will drastically weaken
block so it will break under low load. Use only Harken
supplied strops or equivalent secured
to thimbles.
Never Secure to Head
Replace worn stop ball
Head
Thimble
Correct
Incorrect
Anchor Point Chafing or Cutting
Loops must attach to round bails such as those on padeyes
or pins. Sharp edges on many perforated toerails will cut loop,
severely weakening it. When loop is attached to a plate, it
must be thick enough and have rounded edges to keep loop
from being damaged.
WARNING! Loops or lashings running over a sharp edge
can cause part to break under load. Attach to fitting with a
rounded edge.
Inspect screws to
make sure they are
tight. If loose, remove
and use threadlocker
to secure.
Inspect Parts Every Time You Sail
WARNING! Inspect fasteners to make sure they are tight
and secure with blue Loctite® adhesive or equivalent.
Sharp edges
damage loop.
Round edges pre-
vent damage to loop.
Anchor point
Short-Term Maintenance
Flush block and attach-
ments frequently with
detergent and fresh
water. Clean bearings
by flushing areas
shown while rotating
sheave.
Disassemble block.
Flush with detergent
and fresh water. See
assembly on next
page.
Long-Term Maintenance
