What material is commonly used to make saddles and blocks?

Saddles and blocks are traditionally crafted from soft woods, such as yellow pine or Douglas fir, due to their favorable properties for marine applications. Soft wood provides a good balance of strength and weight, making it suitable for various uses on vessels, including support structures and components that require some degree of flexibility. Additionally, materials like soft wood are often less damaging to rigging and other associated gear, reducing the risk of abrasion.

The characteristics of softwood allow it to absorb impacts and resist wear over time, which is essential in the dynamic environments found in marine settings. Its availability and ease of machining also contribute to its popularity for these applications.

Materials like plastic or metals are often utilized for other specific applications within a vessel due to different mechanical properties they offer; however, soft woods remain a staple in making saddles and blocks because they provide effective performance in the required contexts. Composite materials like fiberglass could offer durability and resistance to rot but are typically not used as the primary material due to cost and weight considerations compared to traditional soft woods.