Wichard Roller Blocks

Wichard blocks, are designed and manufactured at our factories, feature high-performance materials and are subject to a rigorous manufacturing process.

For whatever type of block, ball bearing, plain bearing or roller, the shape of the sheave suits all modern ropes. They are also very easy to install due to the various types of fastenings options.

Wichard HR Roller Blocks

Specially designed for large yachts and racing boats, these HR roller blocks have higher functional limits and break loads. This is due to their large diameter sheaves and Torlon® roller bearing.

Wichard Ball Bearing Blocks

As part of their innovative design, Wichard ball-bearing blocks feature an original concept using two races of lateral ball bearings. They provide excellent performance under a light load, when you have to haul the rope quickly. Under heavier loads, the force is transferred to a solid stainless-steel bushing, on which the self-lubricating sheave, rotates freely. The ball bearings never get crushed and any lateral friction caused by a poorly aligned rope is eliminated, which means that the range of uses is far wider than for conventional designs.

Wichard Ratchet Blocks

In addition to the advantages offered by its ball-bearing blocks, Wichard also offers ratchet blocks with the same styling, featuring its patented ratchet system. Several versions of this ratchet block are offered to cover all applications.

It is fitted with a high-precision machined sheave made of hardened anodized aluminium, which is mounted on Delrin® ball-bearings. The ratchet is engaged and released by an ergonomically- profiled slide button.

To complete the range Wichard offers a variety of other specialty blocks;

Land Yacht Blocks - have flared cheeks for wide entry and exit rope angles, designed in conjunction with land yacht sailors from France, UK and Canada.
Mast Step Blocks - for use where space is limited.
Recessed Blocks - for control lines that pass through the deck or bulkhead.
Snatch Blocks - have an opening cheek for use where neither end of a line is accessible.
Stanchion Blocks - are attached to the lower part of stanchions for running roller furling control lines aft to the cockpit.
Wire Blocks - are designed to withstand the additional wear that wire rope puts on a block.