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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:
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The sales team were quick responding to our questions, dispatched to us promptly, and the product is a perfect replacement for our old tiller which ended up at the bottom of a lake!
It was time for me to upgrade to a newer Ilca and it was recommended that I get a Devoti. The price was competitive and the service from Andrew and his team was fantastic. I received lots of communication and the boat was delivered to me within 2 weeks. It is really great that Sailing Chandlery take the time to set up the rigging so that you can get straight on the water. I am very pleased with my new boat and am loving sailing it. Thank you Sailing Chandlery!
Ordered a dyneema RSAero halyard on the Thursday. It arrived by mid day on the Friday and was used on the Saturday. Excellent product and service. Thank you
Cover arrived after three days and is well made and completely covers the boat boom up . The straps and clips all work fine. Good product.
My local chandlery were unable to supply a white inspection hatch and so it was amatter of looking online. Sailing Chandlery had the cover I needed in stock at a good price and delivery. I had never used them before but the service I received was excellent with the delivery on time and the hatch is now fitted.
I will definitely return, especially with the discounts on offer. Thank you Sailing Chandlery!
Always happy with my orders from Sailing Chandlery. They are quick to post and very helpful when I have had a question.
Jason delivered the boat on time at Hayling Island Sailing Club. The boat was new and all the spars were in perfect condition. Jason came to pick up the boat and return the deposit which I gave at the time of the delivery. Every interaction with Andrew and Jason were handled very professionally. I will recommend to any sailor Sailing Chandlery in the future. I really appreciated how easy it was to charter this boat. Thank you very much. Jacques Kerrest
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I’ll certainly be back
Product exactly what I wanted
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Delivered on time after chatting by phone to a very helpful person at Sailing chandlery. Absolutely no complaint with this Company and will continue to use them for my sailing needs.
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