SOFT ATTACHMENT BLOCKS USER INSTRUCTIONS

Soft Attachment Blocks

Designed from the outset to deliver outstanding performance, these blocks achieve the highest ratings for dynamic load vs sheave diameter in our keelboat block range. They are built to perform and built to last. Every Soft Attachment Block features fully machined, anodised aluminium cheek plates.

Sheaves run on duplex stainless steel hubs and incorporate precision composite journal bearings and thrust washers. The soft attachment is a purpose designed Dyneema® SK99 cord shackle with high strength aluminium dog bone designed to meet the working and breaking load of the block.

USER INSTRUCTIONS

• To open the soft shackle, slide the elastomer sleeve down the soft shackle away from the high strength aluminium dog bone in order to release the dog bone from the shackle.
• With the shackle open, a gentle rotation of the cheek plates opens the head of the block so it can be fitted to a standing line.
• To close the block, rotate the cheeks back to the closed position until the spring loaded ball lock secures them in place. No additional external straps or bands required.
• Secure the soft shackle around the fixing or anchor point. Ensure you attach to a smooth, well rounded profile without sharp edges or burrs.
• Slide the elastomer sleeve back down the soft shackle and ensure it is tight against the dog bone.
• Check that the Soft Attachment Block is able to align with the direction of the sheetline and the load both laterally and vertically.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

SOFT SHACKLE ATTACHMENT

• To ensure the Soft Attachment Block continues to perform at its best, it must be correctly installed, inspected regularly and have the soft shackle replaced when required.
• The soft shackle must be attached to a mounting point with a smooth, well rounded profile without sharp edges or burrs. If in doubt, use a shackle with a smooth surface between the soft shackle and the mounting point.
• Soft shackles will eventually suffer degradation from fatigue, wear and UV exposure. Like all running and standing rigging, soft shackles should be inspected as a part of your regular boat maintenance program and replaced if they show significant wear or fibre damage.
• The soft shackle supplied has been purpose designed and manufactured to meet the working and break load of the Soft Attachment Block. If replacement of the soft shackle is required, we recommend replacing with the same soft shackle as supplied originally. If replacing with a non-standard soft shackle, please ensure that the working and break load is equal or higher than the published specifications below.

SOFT ATTACHMENT BLOCKS

• Grit and sand will damage bearing systems. Ronstan Soft Attachment Blocks have a precisely engineered bearing system that should be kept clean and free of sand and grit to ensure optimum performance and service life. Blocks, especially the bearings, should be flushed with fresh water regularly and periodically cleaned with a mild detergent and water.
• Dry lubricants such as Ronstan Sailfast silicon spray may be used to lubricate the bearing system. Oil/petrochemical based lubricants must not be used.
• Ronstan Soft Attachment Blocks are designed and manufactured for applications on sailboats.
• See the SUPPORT section of the Ronstan website and our catalogue for important customer considerations and warranty information.

MWL = Maximum Working Load
BL = Breaking Load
Dyneema® is a trademark of Royal DSM NV.
DSM is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fibre™. “Dyneema®”, and “Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fibre™” are trademark(s) (applications) owned by Royal DSM NV.