Heavy-duty strength, quick installation and free rotation – a premium Wichard snatch block for demanding sailing applications and ropes up to 18mm.

The Wichard #35500 Snatch Block is designed for sailors who need a strong but highly practical way to redirect sheets and other suitable lines.

Unlike a conventional closed block, its opening design means that you can position the block around a rope that is already reeved. There is no need to completely unreeve the line just to introduce the block.

Combined with an integrated snap shackle, this gives the #35500 excellent flexibility for changing line leads and adapting the deck setup. Wichard specifically recommends the model for changing sheets and as a spinnaker sheet deflector block.

Why Choose a Snatch Block?

The biggest advantage is simple:

It can take an already-reeved rope.

With a conventional closed block, you normally need access to the end of the rope to feed it through.

With a Wichard Snatch Block, the block itself opens.

This makes it much easier to add or reposition a deflection point without completely re-running the line.

For sailing, that means:

• Faster sheet changes
• Easier modification of line leads
• Less unnecessary re-rigging
• Greater flexibility on deck
• Easy temporary or adjustable setups

Wichard notes that its snatch blocks can be fitted to suitable pad eyes or toe rails and are particularly useful for taking up an already-reeved rope.

Designed for Rope up to 18mm

The Wichard #35500 is the larger model in Wichard’s traditional Snatch Block with Snap Shackle range and is designed for:

Maximum Rope Diameter: 18mm

This makes it suitable for larger lines and more demanding applications than the smaller #34500 model, which is designed for rope up to 12mm.

Always make sure that the actual rope diameter is compatible with the block and does not exceed Wichard’s specified maximum of 18mm.

Integrated Snap Shackle with Free Rotation

The #35500 is equipped with an integrated:

Snap Shackle

The snap shackle does more than provide an attachment point. Wichard specifically highlights that it allows the block to:

Rotate Freely

This allows the block to adapt its orientation as the direction of the line changes, rather than remaining rigidly fixed in one position.

For applications such as sheets, where the line angle can change during sailing, this freedom of movement is a major practical advantage.

Easy Opening with Plunger Pin

A strong block still needs to be easy to operate.

The #35500 can be opened by simply:

Pulling the Plunger Pin

This allows quick access to the sheave so an already-rigged rope can be inserted or removed. Wichard describes the operation as similar to opening a conventional snap shackle.

The result is a very practical combination:

Strong closing system + fast opening + no need to completely re-reeve the rope.

Very Strong Closing System

The opening mechanism is designed for convenience without sacrificing mechanical strength.

Wichard equips the #35500 with a:

Forged HR 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Arm

and specifically describes the closing system as very strong.

This high-resistance forged stainless-steel component provides the structural strength required for the block’s substantial load ratings.

Elastomer-Moulded Cheeks

Deck equipment inevitably experiences knocks and contact with other surfaces.

To make the #35500 more suitable for practical use aboard a yacht, Wichard uses:

Elastomer-Moulded Cheeks

These provide resistance against shocks and scratches, helping protect both the block and surrounding surfaces during normal handling and movement.

This is particularly useful for a snatch block that may be moved between different positions on deck.

Composite Sheave

The #35500 combines its forged stainless-steel structural arm with a:

Composite Sheave

The complete material combination specified by Wichard is:

HR 17-4 PH forged stainless steel arm + elastomer-moulded cheeks + composite sheave.

This gives the block a carefully engineered combination of structural strength, practical protection and manageable weight.

1,200kg Working Load

The Wichard #35500 provides:

Working Load: 1,200kg

Wichard specifies that its published Working Load applies to nautical applications.

That gives the block a substantial 1.2-tonne Working Load, making it suitable for much more demanding loads than a general-purpose lightweight sailing block.

Breaking Load – 2,500kg

The manufacturer specifies:

Breaking Load: 2,500kg

This gives the #35500 a manufacturer-rated Breaking Load of 2.5 tonnes.

Breaking Load should not be confused with Working Load. For normal nautical operation and product selection, the relevant manufacturer figure is the 1,200kg Working Load.

Technical Specifications

These are Wichard’s current published specifications for part #35500.

Built for Larger Ropes & Higher Loads

The #35500 is the heavy-duty option compared with the smaller #34500.

The #35500 therefore increases maximum rope diameter from 12mm to 18mm, while Working Load rises from 720kg to 1,200kg.

If your installation uses larger-diameter sheets or requires substantially greater load capacity, the #35500 is the appropriate step up in this range.

Ideal for Changing Sheets

Wichard specifically identifies:

Changing Sheets

as one of the primary applications for the #35500.

Because the block can open around a rope that is already reeved, it can be used to introduce or reposition a deflection point without completely removing the existing sheet.

This is exactly where a snatch block shows its advantage over a conventional closed block.

Spinnaker Sheet Deflector Block

Wichard also recommends the #35500 as a:

Spinnaker Sheet Deflector Block

The combination of opening construction, integrated snap shackle and free rotation makes it particularly useful when you need to alter the lead of a spinnaker sheet.

It provides a practical solution for creating a suitable deflection point while retaining the ability to quickly remove or reposition the block when required.

Compact Strength

Despite its substantial load capacity, the #35500 remains relatively compact:

155mm Length

59mm Width

49mm Thickness

414g Weight

Yet it delivers:

1,200kg Working Load

2,500kg Breaking Load

This makes it a powerful solution when you need to handle larger ropes and higher loads without using unnecessarily bulky hardware.

Why Choose the Wichard #35500 Snatch Block?

• Premium Wichard marine hardware
• Designed for ropes up to 18mm
• Opening Snatch Block construction
• Can take an already-reeved rope
• Integrated Snap Shackle
• Snap shackle provides free rotation
• Very strong closing system
• Quick opening by pulling the plunger pin
• Forged HR 17-4 PH stainless steel arm
• Composite sheave
• Elastomer-moulded cheeks
• Resistant to shocks and scratches
• 1,200kg nautical Working Load
• 2,500kg Breaking Load
• Weight of 414g
• Suitable for changing sheets
• Recommended as a spinnaker sheet deflector block
• Designed for demanding sailing applications
• Made in France

Working Load vs Breaking Load

For the Wichard #35500:

Working Load: 1,200kg
Breaking Load: 2,500kg

Wichard explicitly identifies the Working Load figure as applying to nautical applications.

The Breaking Load is not the normal operating load. When selecting the block, use the appropriate Working Load and consider the actual line loads, deflection angle, attachment point and complete rigging configuration.

Why Buy the Wichard #35500?

The #35500 solves a very practical problem aboard a sailing yacht: how to add or change a line deflection point without completely re-rigging the rope.

You can open the block, position it around an already-reeved rope and secure it where required. The integrated snap shackle gives the block freedom to rotate, while the forged HR stainless-steel arm provides the strength required for demanding loads.

For larger lines, the specifications are impressive:

Maximum Rope: 18mm

Working Load: 1,200kg

Breaking Load: 2,500kg

Weight: 414g

Choose the Wichard #35500 Snatch Block with Snap Shackle from Cavo Yachting when you need a strong, opening and freely rotating sailing block for ropes up to 18mm, particularly for sheet changes and spinnaker sheet deflection.

Key Specifications at a Glance