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Specify the Best
Orbit Blocks™ are a no-compromise product range developed to meet the demands and expectations
of the very dedicated and increasingly professional racing sailor, with characteristics including:
• The highest strength-to-weight ratio.
• Minimal friction loss, especially when working at high loads.
• Totally reliable and trouble free performance.
• Simplicity of design and construction to facilitate maintenance
and servicing.
• Elegant, functional styling and finish.
Bearing System
The Orbit sheave has captive Acetal or Torlon
®
ball bearings for side thrust loads, eliminating the
need for side retainer plates. This reduces weight and allows for a wider bearing surface that can
accommodate longer Torlon
®
needles – achieving a substantially higher strength-to-weight ratio.
Design Simplicity
There are only 3 primary components to the block: the twin side pieces, sculptured from
solid high grade alloy, and the one-piece sheave with its captive ball bearings. Bearings
are easily rinsed clear of salt and debris.
Foot Blocks
The bottom hub section is machined from solid alloy for maximum integrity of the load bearing
structure. The top cover plate protects the sheave against impact, prevents dir t and grit from
entering the hub area, and can be removed for service without removing the mounting bolts that
secure the block through the base plate to the deck.
Halyard Blocks
These blocks have been designed primarily for attachment around the mast collar
to lead halyards aft from the mast base to the winches. The head of the block has
a removable pin which enables easy attachment to the deck padeyes or the mast
collar. This method of attachment provides a low lead aft to organisers or winches.
Stand-Up Blocks
A number of stand-up solutions are available for Orbit Blocks™. These
include assemblies incorporating padeye and rubber boot with 60° or 90°
orientation at rest, or blocks with special swivels used with non-tumble
padeyes.
Universal Head
Head posts of swivel blocks can be locked at 0° or 90°. The high
resistance shackles are forged in grade 17-4PH stainless steel.
Runner Blocks
These blocks have a unique shape and Acetal guide rollers that
help keep the line engaged with the sheave in running backstay
applications.
Webbing & Strop Blocks
The absence of a swivel head or shackle allows weight savings where a
webbing or rope lashing attachment is suitable. When passed through the hub of
the sheave this also provides a failsafe feature. See our website for instructions
on proper webbing attachment.
