Can anyone assist with this? We sailed up to the Shetlands a couple of days ago and while down below, Laurie heard something drop on the deck. A couple of days later and we found this... Any idea what it is? It was at the base of the mast on which I have some Lewmar clutches, winches & cleats and then the normal standing rigging one would expect.


Bill Balme

+x

 

Bill Balme - 6/23/2019

Can anyone assist with this? We sailed up to the Shetlands a couple of days ago and while down below, Laurie heard something drop on the deck. A couple of days later and we found this... Any idea what it is? It was at the base of the mast on which I have some Lewmar clutches, winches & cleats and then the normal standing rigging one would expect.

Hi Bill,
Looks like a roller bearing to me. I do not remember indents on the end, though. My winches have dozens of these held in place by a plastic collar/sleeve that allows them to roll freely over the solid metal insert of a gear or a shaft. One of my large foot blocks have the same as do some larger turning blocks, usually high-end. I am less familiar with some slippery mainsail track cars (Harken?) which may glide over rollers.
I can’t think what might be high up on the mast, but I would look around with binocs if nothing else if all else fails and see if something comes to mind.
Let us know what you discover.
Good luck, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy