Cheek Blocks

[Mike Smith]

Does anyone have a cheek (turning) blocks mounted aft of the tracks on their boat for Genoa sheets? If so, where is it mounted (flat on deck, or vertical on the outboard side of the cockpit coaming) and, if so, are you satisfied with it's performance?

Mike Smith
S/V Breezer
www.mikejansmith.com

[Stu Jackson]

Mike

We have them on the outside of the coaming on our '86 Mark I.  They're mounted on teak blocks to get them off the coaming enough for a fairlead back to the winches.  

We also have two fairlead standup blocks on the inner (and our only) tracks.  The aft standup blocks are about the place where the shorepower inlet is located.  They work great, of course, the jib sheets need to be a bit longer than the standard spec'ed length to get back there and then forward to the winch.

A friend with a newer Mark II just purchased double cheek blocks with stopppers in them from Garhauer, and has them flat on the deck.  This is because the hull and deck are configured differently between the Mark IIs and the older boats.  Where on a Mark II is there any vertical surface to even consider mounting one?  He's very happy with his purchase from Garhauer, and he loved the competitive and winning price.

Stu