Broken spring on Mainsheet block ratchet

I have a broken spring on the main sheet ratcheting block for my 1983 H18. It is a Seaways block and the small coiled spring that pushes on the ratchet arm is broken. The spring wraps around a pin between the two side plates of the pulley, the pin appears to be press fit.

Is a replacement spring available and how do you replace it. I am guessing you would need to press the pin out, replace the spring and then press the pin back in. I have a press available to me at work.

I guess the other option is to replace the whole pulley with the ratchet and jamb cleat but that sounds expensive. The rest of my existing block is in good shape except for this small spring.

Here are some pictures:

This part is not available from Hobie. Seaway blocks have been offered by us since... the early 80's? This would have to come from another source or used.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

If you took the block to someone in the auto repair business they would have access to a press. They should be able to get the pin out. Then go down to your local hobby store that sells radio controlled airplanes, they have a tool to make wound spring landing gear legs. They also sell the piano wire that you would need to create the spring with. It could be done, would be a lot of leg work and some favors possible called in, I would just buy a new block lol, even if you are without surplus cash right now there must be lots of used blocks laying around.

_________________
06 getaway -- always remember, man with both feet in mouth have no leg to stand on.

Update - I got the spring replaced last night.

Brad at Sunjamers was nice and sent me an old broken block that had a good spring.

The process was a lot tougher than I thought, the pin that hols the spring and ratchet arm was actually shouldered and held between the plates with the rivet on the knob to turn the ratchet on and off. It cannot be pressed out like I originally thought and tried on the old block . After about 2 hrs work I got the old spring out and put the block back together and everything seems to be working good.

Thanks for all the advice and upgrade suggestions. I may be upgrading to the Harken low profile blocks in the future but at this point I do not have the funds to make that happen. I just need to get the basics done and get the boat out on the water first, then worry about upgrades later.

Happy it worked for you,I guess it was a good thing I forgot to put that bungee in your original order.

_________________
Brad Stephens
[email protected]
(866) 786-5266 <--- Advice HOTline
http://www.sunjammers.com
www.facebook.com/sunjammers