RLW over at BoatBits always has something interesting to say, and today is no exception. The fact that he’s recommending another one of my neighbors makes it noteworthy.

See, Ed Louchard at ZephyrWerks in Port Townsend fabricates delrin sheaves with bronze bushings, in pretty much any size you need.

Sounds expensive, doesn’t it?

Let’s see what BoatBits has to say in this post, entitled “Silly pricing on boat stuff":

So what should a really good sheave cost? Well take a look at Zephyrwerks who makes really excellent sheaves on a semi-custom basis. They use top quality materials and their workmanship is first rate… A single sheave will run you $38. If you buy more the cost comes down…

 

So why does the discount marine store sell cheap injected plastic crap with sharp edges for $79? Well, just maybe, it is because we as boat folk are stupid and confuse high price with quality or just don’t know better… Either way it is in our own best interest to give a little more thought to the stuff we install in our boats and the prices we pay.

So next time you need to replace sheaves, see if ZephyrWerks has what you need, eh?