{"product_id":"barton-marine-size-5-54mm-plain-bearing-block-n05090","title":"Barton Marine Size 5 54mm Plain Bearing Block, Double Tang","description":"\u003cp class=\"nvn-hero\"\u003eBarton Marine's Size 5 plain bearing block gives you a 54mm sheave and a double tang head for control lines and running rigging on cruising and racing yachts. Marine grade 316 stainless frame, molded side plates, and a 750kg working load in a block that weighs almost nothing. Simple, strong, low maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBarton Marine's Size 5 block is one of those pieces of sailing hardware you rig once and stop thinking about. It's a 54mm plain bearing pulley with a single sheave and a double tang head, built for control lines and running rigging on larger cruising and racing yachts. Simple job, done right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heart of it is that 54mm (2 1\/8\") sheave. Barton molds it from acetal and runs it on a large-diameter bearing, so the line pays out smoothly under moderate loads without the cost or the fuss of a ball-bearing car. Plain bearing blocks like this one shine on control lines that get eased and trimmed rather than sheeted under constant heavy load. Think vang, outhaul, reefing lines, or a cabin-top lead where you want reliable, low-maintenance turning without a premium price tag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConstruction is where Barton earns its reputation. The load-carrying components and the interior frame are marine grade 316 stainless steel, and the side plates are high-grade molded and then through-bolted and riveted together. That combination is what lets a block this compact carry real load. Barton rates the Size 5 at a 750kg (1,650 lb) maximum working load with a 1,500kg (3,300 lb) breaking load. That's a serious margin for a block that weighs almost nothing and tucks into a tight spot on deck.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe double tang head is the detail worth understanding before you buy. Two tangs give you a fixed attachment that bolts or shackles straight to a deck eye, a boom bail, or a padeye without adding a swivel you don't need. On smaller boats and dinghies you can often mount it directly and skip an extra shackle. And because there are two tangs, you can stack blocks or lead a second line off the same fitting, which is handy on catamarans and trailer sailers where deck space is tight. One tip from the fleet: align the tang with your direction of pull and snug it down with locknuts, so the head can't twist under load.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRope-wise, the Size 5 takes line up to 12mm (7\/16\"). It runs its cleanest with 8 to 10mm control lines, which is the sweet spot for most cruising rigs. If you're leading a larger diameter sheet at high sustained load, step up to a ball-bearing block from the same Barton range. And keep your lead angles gentle. A 54mm sheave doesn't love a sharp turn, and a hard lead will chafe polyester line over time no matter whose block you hang it on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintenance is about as easy as it gets. Plain bearings don't have caged ball races to flush, but they do appreciate a rinse. Give the sheave a fresh-water rinse after salt exposure and a drop of light oil now and then, and it'll turn freely for years. That's really the whole routine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis block is part of Barton's wider Size 5 family, so it plays nicely with their ball-bearing mainsheet traveler system and the rest of their control-line hardware. If you're building out a coordinated setup, you can mix plain-bearing turning blocks like this one with ball-bearing cars where the load justifies it. You'll find the Size 5 turning up all over a well-rigged deck, from kicker and vang leads to reefing systems and spinnaker control lines, wherever a compact fixed-head block makes sense. Over 95% of Barton's gear is still made in Whitstable, England, and the fit and finish shows it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWho's it for? Cruisers and racers who want dependable, no-drama turning blocks for control lines and secondary leads. Who's it not for? If you need a low-friction, high-load block for a primary mainsheet or genoa sheet on a bigger boat, look at a ball-bearing option in this same size range instead. For everything else on deck, this is a clean, honest block that just works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"nvn-features\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e54mm (2 1\/8\") acetal sheave on a plain bearing for smooth, low-maintenance turning on control lines\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e750kg (1,650 lb) maximum working load and 1,500kg (3,300 lb) breaking load for real strength in a compact block\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMarine grade 316 stainless steel load-carrying components and interior frame resist saltwater corrosion\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHigh-grade molded side plates, through-bolted and riveted for lasting security\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDouble tang head bolts or shackles straight to a deck eye or boom bail, no swivel required\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTakes running rigging up to 12mm (7\/16\"), runs cleanest with 8 to 10mm control lines\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSingle sheave keeps the profile tight for crowded deck layouts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCompatible with Barton's Size 5 ball-bearing mainsheet traveler system for coordinated setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMade in Whitstable, England with the fit and finish Barton is known for\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-trust\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from NVN Marine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAuthorized Barton Marine reseller, full manufacturer warranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSame-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-faq\"\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat's the difference between a plain bearing and a ball bearing block?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eA plain bearing block like this Size 5 runs the sheave on a simple bearing surface. It's lower cost, lower maintenance, and ideal for control lines that get eased and trimmed rather than held under constant heavy load. A ball-bearing block rolls with less friction under sustained high load, which matters most on primary sheets. For vangs, outhauls, reefing, and cabin-top leads, the plain bearing is the right call.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat size rope does the Size 5 block take?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt handles running rigging up to 12mm (7\/16\"). It runs its cleanest with 8 to 10mm control lines, which covers most cruising rigs. Keep your lead angles gentle so the line doesn't chafe on a sharp turn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat does double tang mean?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eTwo flat tangs form a fixed head that bolts or shackles straight to a deck eye, boom bail, or padeye without adding a swivel. Because there are two tangs, you can also stack blocks or lead a second line off the same fitting, which is handy on catamarans and boats with tight deck space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow much load can it handle?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eBarton rates the Size 5 at a 750kg (1,650 lb) maximum working load with a 1,500kg (3,300 lb) breaking load. That's a strong margin for a compact single-sheave block.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat is the block made of?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe load-carrying components and interior frame are marine grade 316 stainless steel. The side plates are high-grade molded and then through-bolted and riveted, and the sheave is molded acetal running on the plain bearing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eIs this a good choice for my mainsheet?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eFor control lines and secondary leads, yes. If you need a primary mainsheet or genoa sheet block on a larger boat where the load stays high, step up to a ball-bearing block in the same Barton range instead. This one is happiest turning control lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow do I maintain a plain bearing block?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt's easy. There are no caged ball races to flush. Give the sheave a fresh-water rinse after salt exposure and add a drop of light oil now and then. Do that and it'll turn freely for years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWill it work on a dinghy or small catamaran?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes. The double tang lets you mount it directly to a deck eye or bail without an extra shackle, and the tight single-sheave profile fits crowded small-boat layouts well. Just align the tang with your direction of pull.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eIs it stainless steel?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe load-carrying components and interior frame are marine grade 316 stainless steel, chosen to stand up to saltwater. The side plates are high-grade molded material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhere is it made?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eBarton manufactures the great majority of its gear, including these blocks, in Whitstable, England. That in-house production is a big part of the consistent fit and finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"nvn-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTitle\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBarton Marine Size 5 54mm Plain Bearing Pulley Block Single Double Tang\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBrand\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBarton Marine\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eManufacturer Part Number\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eN05090\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUPC\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5035088081219\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBlock Size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSize 5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSheave Diameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e54mm (2 1\/8\")\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSheave Dimensions\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e54 x 17mm (2 1\/8\" x 5\/8\")\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaximum Rope Size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12mm (7\/16\")\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBearing Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlain bearing (acetal sheave)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSheave Count\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSingle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHead Fitting\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDouble Tang\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaximum Working Load (SWL)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e750kg (1,650 lb)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBreaking Load\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1,500kg (3,300 lb)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFrame Material\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMarine grade 316 stainless steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSide Plates\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigh-grade molded, through-bolted and riveted\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOverall Dimensions (L x W x H)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e114 x 58 x 37mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCountry of Origin\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnited Kingdom (Whitstable, England)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRange Compatibility\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBarton Size 5 ball-bearing mainsheet traveler system\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n    \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n    \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What's the difference between a plain bearing and a ball bearing block?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"A plain bearing block like this Size 5 runs the sheave on a simple bearing surface. It's lower cost, lower maintenance, and ideal for control lines that get eased and trimmed rather than held under constant heavy load. A ball-bearing block rolls with less friction under sustained high load, which matters most on primary sheets. For vangs, outhauls, reefing, and cabin-top leads, the plain bearing is the right call.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What size rope does the Size 5 block take?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It handles running rigging up to 12mm (7\/16\\\"). It runs its cleanest with 8 to 10mm control lines, which covers most cruising rigs. Keep your lead angles gentle so the line doesn't chafe on a sharp turn.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What does double tang mean?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Two flat tangs form a fixed head that bolts or shackles straight to a deck eye, boom bail, or padeye without adding a swivel. Because there are two tangs, you can also stack blocks or lead a second line off the same fitting, which is handy on catamarans and boats with tight deck space.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How much load can it handle?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Barton rates the Size 5 at a 750kg (1,650 lb) maximum working load with a 1,500kg (3,300 lb) breaking load. That's a strong margin for a compact single-sheave block.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What is the block made of?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"The load-carrying components and interior frame are marine grade 316 stainless steel. The side plates are high-grade molded and then through-bolted and riveted, and the sheave is molded acetal running on the plain bearing.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Is this a good choice for my mainsheet?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"For control lines and secondary leads, yes. If you need a primary mainsheet or genoa sheet block on a larger boat where the load stays high, step up to a ball-bearing block in the same Barton range instead. This one is happiest turning control lines.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How do I maintain a plain bearing block?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It's easy. There are no caged ball races to flush. Give the sheave a fresh-water rinse after salt exposure and add a drop of light oil now and then. Do that and it'll turn freely for years.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Will it work on a dinghy or small catamaran?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Yes. The double tang lets you mount it directly to a deck eye or bail without an extra shackle, and the tight single-sheave profile fits crowded small-boat layouts well. 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That in-house production is a big part of the consistent fit and finish.\"\n            }\n        }\n    ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n","brand":"Barton Marine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44859140210781,"sku":"106520","price":31.82,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0299\/7266\/0317\/files\/106520XL.jpg?v=1785872084","url":"https:\/\/nvnmarine.com\/products\/barton-marine-size-5-54mm-plain-bearing-block-n05090","provider":"NVN Marine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}