High load capacity, compact dimensions and an integrated becket – a versatile Wichard block for dependable sailing and rigging systems.

The Wichard #63106 Single Plain Bearing Block combines a 45mm sheave, swivel head and becket in a compact block designed for rope up to 10mm.

The plain-bearing design focuses on strength and reliability. Instead of a ball-bearing system, the composite sheave runs on a stainless steel bush, a configuration Wichard recommends for high loads and static operations.

The addition of the becket makes the #63106 particularly useful when building multi-part purchase systems, as it provides an additional fixed attachment point for the rope.

45mm Sheave – For 10mm Rope

At the heart of the #63106 is a:

45mm Composite Sheave

Wichard specifies the block for:

10mm Rope

This makes it suitable for a wide variety of sailing control systems while maintaining compact overall dimensions.

The combination of a 45mm sheave and maximum 10mm rope size provides a practical solution for mainsheets, halyards, boom vangs and other compatible rigging applications.

What Is the Becket For?

The #63106 differs from the standard #63105 version because it includes a:

Becket

A becket provides an additional attachment point beneath the main sheave where the end of a rope can be secured.

This is particularly useful when creating a multi-part purchase system, where the rope needs a fixed termination point at the block.

In practical terms, the becket gives you greater flexibility when configuring systems such as:

Mainsheet tackles • Boom vangs • Downhauls • Other mechanical-advantage systems

The exact purchase ratio depends on the complete arrangement of blocks and the way the rope is reeved.

Swivel Head for Flexible Installation

The Wichard #63106 incorporates a:

Swivel Head

This allows greater flexibility in the orientation of the block relative to its attachment point and the direction of the rope.

Wichard also highlights its universal head concept, which provides a wide choice of fastening configurations across the range.

For a sailing installation, this means a block that can be incorporated more easily into different deck and rigging layouts.

Plain Bearing – Built for High Loads

The #63106 belongs to Wichard’s Plain Bearing Block range.

Its composite sheave runs directly on a:

Stainless Steel Bush

Wichard specifically describes this range as designed to:

Withstand high loads and perform well in static operations.

This makes the block especially useful where strength and sustained loading are priorities.

Rather than focusing purely on minimum rolling friction, the plain-bearing system provides a simple, robust and dependable construction.

Marine-Grade 316L Stainless Steel

Wichard uses 316L stainless steel for important load-bearing and attachment components of the #63106, including the head configuration, load straps and terminal hardware. The cheeks are manufactured from POM, while the sheave is composite.

This material combination provides:

• Excellent suitability for marine environments
• High mechanical strength
• Good corrosion resistance
• Low overall weight
• Protection for the sheave
• Durable construction for sailing applications

Lightweight POM Cheeks

The #63106 features lightweight:

POM Cheeks

Wichard specifically highlights the lightweight cheeks as a feature designed to protect the sheave.

Using POM rather than unnecessarily heavy metal side plates also helps keep the complete block’s weight down to only:

120g

This is particularly useful aboard sailing yachts, where reducing unnecessary hardware weight is always an advantage.

Working Load – 400kg

Despite its compact dimensions and low weight, the Wichard #63106 provides a:

Working Load: 400kg

The Wichard 45mm block range specifies this Working Load for nautical applications.

That gives the block a strong load-to-weight ratio:

120g Block Weight → 400kg Working Load

Breaking Load – 900kg

The manufacturer specifies:

Breaking Load: 900kg

The Breaking Load should never be confused with the normal permissible Working Load.

For normal product selection and use, the relevant manufacturer rating is:

Working Load: 400kg

The complete installation should also be evaluated according to the actual load, rope routing, attachment points and configuration of the purchase system.

Technical Specifications

These specifications are published by Wichard for the #63106.

Designed for Mainsheet Systems

Wichard lists:

Mainsheet Systems

among the recommended applications for the #63106.

The integrated becket is especially useful when the block forms part of a purchase system, as it provides an additional point where the rope can terminate.

Combined with the swivel head, 45mm sheave and 400kg Working Load, this makes the #63106 a versatile option for compatible mainsheet arrangements.

Suitable for Halyards

Wichard also specifies the block for:

Halyard Applications

Once a sail is hoisted and tensioned, a halyard system can remain under substantial load.

The #63106’s plain-bearing architecture is particularly relevant because Wichard designed this range to withstand high loads and operate effectively in static applications.

Ideal for Boom Vang Systems

Another recommended application is:

Boom Vang

A boom vang can generate considerable loads, particularly when mechanical advantage is created through multiple blocks.

The integrated becket gives the #63106 additional flexibility when incorporated into a suitable purchase system, while its 400kg Working Load provides substantial capacity for such a compact block.

Downhaul Applications

Wichard also recommends the #63106 for:

Downhaul Systems

Its compact dimensions, swivel head, becket and plain-bearing design make it a versatile choice for suitable sail-control systems requiring a reliable block under load.

Masthead Applications

The manufacturer also lists:

Mast Head Block

among the potential applications.

At only 120g, the #63106 provides substantial load capacity without adding unnecessary weight to the rig.

#63105 vs #63106 – What Is the Difference?

The #63106 is closely related to the Wichard #63105, but there is one important difference:

The #63106 Includes a Becket

The addition of the becket increases the overall length from 97mm to 117mm and weight from 105g to 120g, while Working Load and Breaking Load remain the same.

If you simply need a single swivel block, the #63105 may be suitable. If your system requires a fixed rope termination at the block for a purchase arrangement, the #63106 with becket offers the additional functionality.

Plain Bearing or Ball Bearing?

The correct choice depends on how the block will be used.

A ball-bearing block is typically selected when very low friction and frequent line movement are priorities.

The Wichard Plain Bearing range is designed around a different priority:

High Loads + Static Operations + Robust Simplicity

The sheave rotates on a stainless steel bush, creating a straightforward and durable bearing system.

For halyards and other applications where a block can spend long periods under significant tension, this type of construction can be particularly appropriate.

Why Choose the Wichard #63106?

• Premium Wichard sailing hardware
• Single Plain Bearing Block
• 45mm composite sheave
• Designed for 10mm rope
• Swivel head
• Integrated becket
• Suitable for multi-part purchase arrangements
• Designed to withstand high loads
• Ideal for static operations
• Sheave runs on a stainless steel bush
• 316L stainless steel load-bearing components
• Lightweight POM cheeks
• 400kg Working Load
• 900kg Breaking Load
• Weight only 120g
• Compact dimensions of 117 × 49 × 26mm
• Suitable for mainsheet systems
• Suitable for halyards
• Suitable for boom vangs
• Suitable for downhauls
• Suitable for masthead applications
• Made in France

High Load Capacity with the Added Flexibility of a Becket

The Wichard Single Plain Bearing Block #63106 is an excellent choice when you need more than a standard single block.

The integrated becket provides an additional rope attachment point, allowing the block to be incorporated into suitable purchase systems, while the swivel head offers installation flexibility.

Its plain-bearing construction prioritises strength, simplicity and reliable performance under load, with the composite sheave running directly on a stainless steel bush.

With:

45mm Sheave

10mm Rope

Swivel Head + Becket

400kg Working Load

900kg Breaking Load

Only 120g

the #63106 delivers an excellent combination of compact size, useful load capacity and rigging versatility.

Choose the Wichard #63106 Single Plain Bearing Block with Swivel Head & Becket from Cavo Yachting for a strong and versatile solution for mainsheets, halyards, boom vangs, downhauls and other compatible sailing systems.

Key Specifications at a Glance