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July 02, 2020 2 min read
Harken 18mm Fly Blocks have become very popular since their initial introduction to the market and are used as standard on many boats such as the Laser.
Made from reinforced fibre composite these blocks are designed to provide excellent strength without the bulk of a traditional metal block. The 18mm fly block has an integrated stainless steel inner and works using stainless steel ball bearings. Together these features mean you get high load capacity along with a small lightweight block that won't damage your boat.
There are three versions of the 18mm Fly Block:
In this article we are going to focus on the two single blocks, the standard soft attach and the narrow version looking at the main difference between them.
The first block seen above is the 2698 single soft attach block, the second block is the 2161 narrow version. If you look closely you'll notice the main difference is at the top of the block where the rope goes through the head on the 2698 but not on the 2161.
The top of the 2161 is solid and the rope can't get through, instead the rope should run up the side of the block and should be secured using whipping twine. With the 2698 the rope runs inside the blocks head.
The advantage of using a 2161 narrow version is that it can be secured closer to the location.It also has two holes at the top for twine to go through to hold the rope close to the block.
Both blocks come with a length of dyneema core rope so you can secure the block to your boat.
Both blocks have the same specifications:
Fly blocks are also available in 29mm and 40mm versions. Explore the full range of Harken blocks that we stock and supply.
When you purchase an 18mm block from us you get a little leaflet with the block which explains the dos and don'ts of attaching them.
Here are our top takeaways from the leaflet:
I brought this for some running rigging on the boat, it arrived quickly and appears to be really good quality rope. It was a good price, I shopped around a bit and it was delivered very quickly. I would definitely buy from sailingchandlery.com again.
Very flexible boots to use on the sailing boat! Thanks, Sailing Chandlery, for the fast delivery. You're the best!!
Really one of the best buoyancy aids I've ever bought! Super fast delivery. Thanks! 5 stars!
Made halyard for my Solo very easily
Very good service
Quick delivery, the inner tube looks good quality, time will tell its durability
Helpful staff which was a blessing as their tube is only shown as fitting the 16” tyre, whereas my ballon wheel was 20”,…..but fits both !
It fits OK and under pressure it seems to expand to fit the Catz bigger tyre
I think Sailing Chandlery could probably pick up a few more tube sales if they advertised it as fitting BOTH size tyres…l almost bought my tube from Germany !
This rope is great to use to tie small fenders, which I use on my sports boat when needed.
Sailing Chandlery have a great range of ropes and a really quick online service so all good from me.
I recentiy made a purchase from this company and I was incredibly satisfied with the high level of customer service from the ease of purchase, follow up communication and devilry. 10/10
I bought two of these to cover holes in the deck where previously had had compasses on my 505.
No problems to fit and after sailing in strong winds where the deck is covered in spray, no leaks at all.
Wouldn't hesitate to order again.
Really handy to have this one instead of the standard fiddly ring.
Wanted to use it on the lower part of ILCA mast. Unfortunately it did want to stay and come off after the first sail.
Nice quality. Fit perfectly over drysuit foot part and make it easier to slip into wetsuit boots.
Fits perfectly! Robust quality!
Works perfectly. Doesn't slip out!
A neat and simple fitting