new blocks and hardware?

[radly53]

Im tunning up my Bristol 29.9. One of the projects is going to be replacing most of the blocks and running the lines for the reefs, travler, main halhard, topping lift to the cockpit. She has schaefer series 5 now, and they have lasted 30 years.
So, if price did not matter what would you use? The rigger says Harken for blocks and spinlock for cluches. I was wondering if it realy matters. All I want is to have the new stuff work well and last.

[TrueBlue]

Garhauer, in my experience has been the best choice for value and quality.

EDIT - However, you may not want to have the same hardware on your Bristol as Catalinas.

[sailingdog]

I would use Lewmar line clutches instead of the Spinlocks. They've generally considered better all around... they are less abrasive to the line, so will give the lines a bit longer life, and the Spinlocks can be difficult to open under a heavy load... which isn't a problem with the Lewmars.

I went with Lewmar blocks, since I got a good deal on them, but I'd recommend Garhauer marine blocks, since they're excellent and very reasonably priced.

[Freesail99]

I'll second garhauer, very good quality at a fair price.

[Slipkiller2]

You might want to look at Garhauer. The're not quite as expensive. I have them on my boat and have not had any issues with them.

IIRC Practicle Sailor had a review of them awhile back.

[sanctuarysam]

Originally Posted by radly53

Im tunning up my Bristol 29.9. One of the projects is going to be replacing most of the blocks and running the lines for the reefs, travler, main halhard, topping lift to the cockpit. She has schaefer series 5 now, and they have lasted 30 years.
So, if price did not matter what would you use? The rigger says Harken for blocks and spinlock for cluches. I was wondering if it realy matters. All I want is to have the new stuff work well and last.

i have some schaefer cheek blocks,bought two new doubles for my aft leading lines (spin halyard,tackline, etc) and the best thing about replacing them with the same brand, i won't have any new holes to drill (read, leaks)...
most important thing isn't always price, but using the right block for the job..
i have bought harken, lewmar, garhauer and ronstan..some from the net, others in a retail outlet..
i always tend to err on the side of more is better. if you ever need a block in an emergency, not having to worry about breaking loads is a comfort.
read, shop & compare...

[sailingfool]

Another happy Garhauer customer checking in, lots of great quality at very reasonable prices.

[crwber]

and another...only used garhauer for rigid boom vang and footblocks but they have been excellent.

for the traveller, the windward sheeting traveller from harken is good.

seconded re lewmar clutches, there mechanism is kinder than those of spinlock.

[crwber]

after all that we should get a discount from garhauer for such great advertising

[Freesail99]

I got my davit from garhauer, very well made.