Double blocks continental

Product detailed description

HiSModel manufactures a wide range of high-quality ship blocks made of walnut wood using modern CNC technology. These blocks are intended for static models of historic sailing ships. The blocks feature precisely drilled holes for threading ropes, but they do not include a functional sheave mechanism or freely rotating parts, and are therefore primarily intended for realistic representation of the ship’s rigging.

Continental blocks – characteristics

Standard ship blocks are manufactured as single, double, and triple blocks in two basic shape types: British and Continental. The Continental block type is characterized by a more rounded shape and was widely used across Europe, including the British Isles, until the 18th century. Only with the gradual adoption of the more angular British-type blocks in the Royal Navy did the Continental shape begin to be phased out on British ships. Continental blocks are therefore an ideal choice for models of European as well as British sailing ships from the 16th century up to the mid-18th century.

Double ship blocks

Double ship blocks are designed for leading two ropes through two sheaves positioned side by side on a single axle and separated by a partition inside the block body. They were used wherever higher loads had to be handled.

Most commonly, double blocks formed part of various types of block and tackle systems, where they allowed the load to be distributed and thus reduced the physical force required when handling heavier weights. Typical applications of double blocks include tackles for handling ship’s guns, tackles for tightening shrouds, hoisting yards, crane tackles for loading ship’s stores and other cargo, as well as lowering and hoisting ship’s boats.

Size range

HiSModel manufactures Continental-type double blocks in sizes ranging from 2 mm to 10 mm. Other dimensions can be produced on request.

Choosing block size and rope diameter

On real ships, the rope diameter was selected according to the load, and a corresponding block size was used for that rope diameter. The same principle is recommended when building ship models.

For correct determination of rope diameters and block sizes, we use historical reference tables based on the size and type of the ship. These tables can be found here:
👉 Rigging calculator – instructions

Detailed information on correct block usage can be found in our instructions.
If rope diameters and block sizes are specified directly in your ship plans, we recommend following those values as a priority.

Ropes of suitable diameters for rigging can be purchased here: ropes for ship models.

Recommended rope diameters according to block height: