Failed blocks and mast sheaves can cause considerably more damage and subsequent cost than just replacing them with new ones. Here, we offer some practical advice on carrying out some simple pre-season deck hardware maintenance.

Blocks and Mast sheaves Flush through with fresh water if you have left them exposed to the elements over the winter, you can use a mild detergent to remove mould and mildew, make sure it is ecologically friendly though. Do not oil or grease, this attracts dirt and salt which is abrasive. Check for excessive movement on the bearings of both blocks and sheaves, especially at the mast head. A broken mast sheave invites the halyard to jam itself at the worst possible moment with a trip aloft the only alternative to remove a sail. Barton carries a range of sheave sizes from 30mm up to 70mm diameter or you can contact your mast manufacturer for replacements. If you cannot get the exact same diameter, that's ok, as long as you make sure your replacement sheave is a tight fit width ways in the mast casing to prevent your mouseline jumping off the sheave and jamming.

For ball bearing blocks, the sheaves should spin freely, again flush through with fresh water. Any graunching or uneven spin after flushing would suggest the block has been overloaded. Ball bearing blocks are not suitable for high static loads, such as round the mast base, replace with a plain bearing block or one with a higher rolling load rating.

If you are thinking about replacing blocks, there are a number of factors to consider -specification, safe working load, purchase; always seek professional advice from your chandler or the manufacturer to ensure safe use and ease of control of the sails and rig.

Mainsheet Traveller and Genoa cars
To ensure your mainsheet traveller is in tip top condition before re-launching, rinse thoroughly with a hose pipe and fresh water, especially the underbody where the ball bearings run in the car and along the track. Again you can use a mild detergent solution for stubborn salt deposits as it will not harm the anodising. Take time to look at the end fittings on the traveller, crash gybes are usually the cause of fractures. Add spare end fittings to your ‘to do' list. You will need to remove the traveller car to do this so be sure to seek out or source a short length of track to transfer the traveller car onto for repair. Flush through your control line cam cleats with water under pressure, the cams should open and return freely, if not unscrew them and disassemble to check for broken return springs. Worn cam jaws reduce the efficiency of the cleat and will require a new replacement. Go for the highest specification cleat you can afford for a longer life.

With genoa cars, check for signs of excessive movement about the sheave bearing. A small amount of play is acceptable but any more than this may cause the sheave to lock up under load. Warning signs are excessive wear to one side of the sheave where it is not rotating. Sheaves can be replaced so long as the car has been regularly flushed through and looked after, Heavy corrosion of the aluminium around the spindle makes it impossible to repair.

The list of jobs to do may seem endless, but get the important ones over with now and the remainder can be saved for a sunny day in dock or at anchor!