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freedom 21 mast exit block

Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2021 10:09 pm
by pburos
I need to replace my jib halyard exit block. The block that fits into the mast for the 8mm jib halyard line. Does anyone know where to find a new one?

Re: freedom 21 mast exit block

Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2021 2:49 am
by newt2u
That's interesting, my F21 has an external jib block and only the spinnaker and main halliards are internal to the mast.

I am not sure what kit was used in your mast but if you measure it up and search any chandlery for exit blocks you can compare sizes. You may need to go to the manufacturers to get full specifications.

Good luck with your search.

Re: freedom 21 mast exit block

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2021 10:22 am
by pburos
Ya, I only have one fore halyard so it may have been for the spinnaker. My boat is a 1987 vintage. Looks like some kind of plastic pulley and a stainless steel housing. I checked harken and schaefer but couldn't find anything. You don't know which manufacturer may have fabricated this block?
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Re: freedom 21 mast exit block

Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2021 1:37 pm
by Pearce
One option is Rig-Rite.
Usually pretty good at helping with mast parts.

https://www.rigrite.com/

Re: freedom 21 mast exit block

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2021 5:18 am
by newt2u
Yes that is the spinnaker block and its exactly the same as the one I have. It is an unusual fitting, exit blocks usually have attachments either above and below or to the sides on flanges that sit against the mast but ours is recessed on that pair stainless straps.

What exactly is the problem with the block? It might be possible to just replace the sheave if you remove it.

I would be interested to see more if you do decide to remove the block to investigate further. It may be a standard block with a custom strap fixing to recess the block.

I attach a pic of mine, you can see the job block mounted just below the spinnaker block, externally. Sorry for the poor quality its a blow up of the whole boat.
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Re: freedom 21 mast exit block

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2021 4:35 pm
by pburos
The sheave is missing. I believe the rest of the block is intact. Here's a closeup of it. I'll send you another pic when I take it off. Thanks for your ideas.

Re: freedom 21 mast exit block

Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2021 8:21 pm
by hkowalczyk
It's a harken through deck block. Double check the size, but if my notes are correct it should be this,

https://www.harken.com/en/shop/small-bo ... let-block/

you don't use the black plastic trim piece. You need to drill out the rivets on the stainless steel strap so you can move them out of the way to take out the block You'll need these rivets.

https://www.amazon.com/RV6602-6-8-B-Bay ... B07ZRPYBFK

It's a pretty easy job to do. I replaced mine about 10 years ago.

Re: freedom 21 mast exit block

Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2021 9:50 pm
by pburos
Thank you for your info.

Re: freedom 21 mast exit block

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2021 1:35 pm
by iansan5653
Has anyone installed a second block like that above or below for the second halyard? I don't really want to do an external block but I don't know how much another big hole would weaken the mast.

Re: freedom 21 mast exit block

Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2021 1:38 pm
by iansan5653
Also, @pburos I was looking through your profile to see if you had any pics of your F21 - are you still in Sarasota? I'm not far away in St Pete and I've never seen another F21 in person - I'd love to get together and sail sometime / check out your boat.