Sunfish Halyard Block Internal Backer Block

 26 Dec 20:

The fiberglass Sunfish made from 1960 to around 1987 have internal wooden backer blocks for the deck hardware, made from oak or mahogany. Boats since that time have aluminum backer plates. Over time the wood blocks can dry out, or rot, and fall off inside the hull. One way to access the inside of the pontoon hull and replace them is by adding a deck plate. I can reach just far enough to get to the halyard  block backer next to the mast tube from the plate installed between the coaming and the daggerboard trunk, the distance is around 22 inches.  

Several years ago I put some adhesive on the new block (to the right) and placed it in the original block hanger, which is made of fiberglass. Still there and looking good. The closer block is for the halyard cleat.

Tip: When removing deck hardware, always leave one screw in. That way if the fiberglass hanger has fallen off and the original adhesive has dried up, the block will not fall off into the hull. There are blocks for the bow handle, halyard block or fairlead bullseye, halyard cleat, bridle/traveler eyestraps, 1960-1971 rudder assembly horizontal hinge plate on the deck and keel latch plate.

Other blocks may be accessed by splitting the seam, or installing more deck plates, or cut an access hole to do the work and then fiberglass the cutout piece back into place.