I lost the spinnaker halyard block off my mast on my way back from Racine a week or so back. Since I've usually left the halyard on the mast (until this particular trip) I've never had a reason to pay much attention to that block and don't remember what kind it was or exactly how it was set up. There is a line that runs about 18 inches from a saddle on the top front of the mast and ends an inch or two short of the line that runs around the mast from each side of the sail track. The former has a small loop tied in it, which I presume is what the halyard block was connected to.

Can someone please tell me what size/kind of block I need and describe how it's meant to be set up. A photo would be fantastic.

Many thanks,

Mark.

I've changed mine out to a Harken 292

Harken 292 Micro Block Swivel

or this

Ronstan RF20100

(actually now that I think about it I believe I use the Ronstan block)


This allows the top of the spi' to "twist" (or better said -- untwist) if you have any kinks in the halyard on the raising or dousing.

Run the line side-to-side thru the D-shackle and tie the other line to the D-Shackle.

I then tape the knots with rigging tape to prevent an uneventful loosening of the knot.

Thanks tback. I guess the shackle must have come undone. Not too surprising with the bouncing around when towing. Just didn't think about it until I saw the line hanging down through my rear vision mirror.

for long road trips I'll masking tape that block to the mast.

Definitely will do.

Harken 348 29mm carbo block. I have the line that runs around the mast going through the center of the block keeping it in the correct orientation so there is never a concern of any twisting. This is probably the lightest set up because there is no need for even a shackle. And, that fraction of an ounce is probably what is going to keep me from winning HA <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />(if I ever have a chance to race the thing!!) The block also doesn't hack up the mast as it is composite. The ronstan wouldn't hack it up either. I have set up 2 other boats this way also without any problem at all. Of all my pics I don't have one of it - I don't think, but I'll check. The only issue is that you have to untie the line that wraps around the mast through the block- which can be difficult. However, the block isn't going to go anywhere if it is secured by the top AND through the middle. I think there are a decent number of I20s that run the same set up.
here is the block HArken 348
http://www.apsltd.com/Tree/d261000/e260617.asp