Stropped Block Thimbles
 

I read the thread about nylon vs SS thimbles for anchor rodes and wanted to know if the same arguement applies to thimbles for stropped blocks. I am making ~50 1/2in blocks for a 44ft schooner. Which thimbles should I use. 304 SS standard, 316 SS heavy duty, or are the nylon thimbles the way to go? Why?
Thomas.

Nylon thimbles are reccomended for use on rodes because they do not introduce yet another metal-type, and thus more corrosion. Still, I don't care for thimbles on rodes in any case, myself.
For use above deck, for your stropped blocks, nylon thimbles would be inappropriate. Galvanized steel or bronze thimbles would look and perform best. Stainless looks a little too flashy against the rugged, honest simplicity of a rope-stropped block, and the inevitable rust streaks spoil the fun. Remember: stain-less, not stain-proof.

Thanks. Galvanized it is. :)