Anybody know how to attach this block to the gaff boom? (HM Sherbourne Vanguard)

[Stuka]

Hello, 

I have been stuck for weeks now I just cant figure out a good way to get this done.  As you will see in the picture this block has to be attached with a loop or something to the first eyelet off the gaff boom then have an open loop on the other side. I just cant grasp how this is supposedly done? The pictures in the instruction isnt that clear either.  This is my first model so im very unsure how to proceed. Any directions or suggestions would be appreciated as long as a rookie like me cant achieve it. 

[JacquesCousteau]

You may want to check out Chuck Passaro's guide to stropping blocks, which is available as a pdf for free download at Syren's website on the "blocks" page. I found it extremely helpful for figuring out stropping techniques, and relatively easy to do. I'm not totally sure about the best way to add a loop to both ends, though. In general, searching MSW for "block stropping" should return helpful results. Best of luck!

[popeye2sea]

Robin,

I am assuming that the block in the last pic is the one you are using, and that the eye bolt is already installed on the gaff.

 

Take that strop (the rope loop around the block) off of the block and remake another one so that there is a loop (eye) on both ends.  One way to do that is to make a loop with rope that will be large enough to go around the block with extra on both sides to form the eyes. Then you finish making the eyes by wrapping a few turns of thread and tying off so that the wraps (seizing) are tight against the block,  just above and just below the block.  You should end up with a block that is stropped like the one in the plans.

 

Now you can simply tie the lower eye to the ring bolt on the gaff, and the upper eye will take the rope which forms the tackle (the part that runs through and between to blocks).

 

Regards,

Henry