A good source for inexpensive blocks

[Barry Pyeatt]

For those of you looking for a good source for inexpensive reliable blocks.

You might consider the Holland Yacht Tufnol Blocks . These are practical and attractive with good quality workmanship. They are available thru the Wooden Boat.org website. The net proceeds from the sales thru their chandlery benefit the Wooden Boat Foundation in Port Townsend, WA and their building/education programs.

For example a 3/8" single sells for $7.85, a double 3/8" for $13.70.

http://www.woodenboat.org/store/folder_alternate.asp?f=87

They also have Ash and Teak blocks for the traditional builder.

This is a great organization dedicated to education and tradition of wooden boat building. Their seminars and classes are fantastic experiences. People come from all over the world to attend some of their education programs and their Wooden Boat Festival each year.

[Frank Hagan]

Nice prices ... and robust enough for our little boats! These would be a definate upgrade from hardware store blocks.

Wooden Boat Org also has the best synthetic three-strand rope I've seen, English Braids "Buff Polyester" at http://www.woodenboat.org/store/folder_alternate.asp?f=213. If I ever get around to re-rigging Aslan, this is the stuff I'll use.

[Phil Gowans]

Barry & Frank,

You're right, the Wooden Boat Foundation has some great things for a traditional boat and has lot of other things to offer. I switched to their buff line (simply for looks) and I can recommend it for looks and feel. They also offer some great brass fittings from the Port Townsend Foundry. If you are looking for some brass hardware and don't see what you want on their web site, give them a call. They have a source of really great hardware that isn't on their site. The best thing is the price of this other brass line is cheaper than anything else I've seen.

They're the outfit that I took my week long sail training through this last summer. I wish they were closer to me. I envy you builders in the Northwest. Their festival sounds wonderful. Here's a picture that I took in the Old Gaffers race in Sidney harbor. I was on Alycone and the the boat in the foreground is Briony, also one of their sail training boats.

[Barry Pyeatt]

I think Phil found a gem when he visited. Hard not to get hooked up here. The cruising is great with protected waters. Scenery is without question "world class".

The Wooden Boat Foundation offers some really interesting programs and some exciting benefits for Puget Sound area builders.

I've used the Buff Polyester line for other boats, it is a great line for our use.

I've also found that if you need something, just e-mail the chandlery at Wooden Boat and they will lead you to it and provide it if possible.

Great festival each Sept as well.

Interesting web site to visit as well. Great photos of some classic wooden boats. http://www.woodenboat.org/