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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:
Excellent fast service from this company. Very good price for the Parka & free shipping. As a Motorhome & dog owner I bought the Parka to use when these activities frequently get cold & wet! I haven't had cause to use it yet. I've tried it on & it's just what I needed. It's a good long length (I'm 5ft 8") & does away with the need for waterproof trousers. Very handy zipped pockets & I like the fact that you can tighten up the wrist cuffs. I'm very pleased with my purchase & would certainly recommend Sailing Chandlery. Thank you.
Good quality product and easy to fit.
Not used yet but known it will be perfect. Excellent customer service from sailing chandlery as usual.
Great service and a great price. Order delivered in a timely manner.
Would definitely recommend and use again, the next time something on the boat inevitably breaks :)
I had a difficult repair, with a part of the sail that har ripped off. I used the tape to cover a large darn, taped it on both sides, and oversewed it for additional security. Easy to use, decent adhesion, probably no need to oversew.
This is exactly what I wanted. It’s super easy to charge, it’s convenient to store and carry but most importantly, it’s incredibly loud!!
A very reliable cleat Will not accidentally re-cleat.
It’s great- love it for my open water swimming.
Fits everything in.
Super fast delivery and friendly
Sticky back peels off easily and glue seems strong. Quite possibly this is the same product as supplied in the pre-cut kits for the ILCA mast bottom sections?
Makes a lot of sense to use sacrificial strips to slow down wear on the mast and gel coat.
Better value to buy several meters of this one and with care and a sharp blade you can cut desired lengths by wrapping around the mast and cutting neatly.
Replacement laser block arrived very quickly. Part was exactly the same as the original and I was back on the water without missing a weekend. Great service.
Very good quality cover, should protect my granddaughter’s boat for many seasons to come, thanks.
This looks more like a proper hold all.
Great, speedy service and quality product. Thank you
Well thought out kit bag with a large internal compartment and small mesh pockets inside and out. The wet compartment is really useful. Appears to be well made and the strap is comfy over the shoulder. Easily packed in my winter gear plus a few spare tops etc but if you like to carry multiple winter wetsuits or have lots of spares you may want to go for a larger 90l bag.
Great for work at sea and lesuire
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