Question # 101 mainsheet blocks.

hp18carr · Post by **hp18carr** » Wed Sep 01, 2010 4:39 am

I'm thinking of replacing the three old mainsheet blocks. Two Harken singles one with beckett, the third block being a double. Should I just reinstall more Harken blocks or has someone found others they prefer. Also are these small range or mid range blocks? Thanks.

Terrence
Wilmington N.C.
Chrysler 26 1980
Pandora (for now)

hp18carr · Post by **hp18carr** » Wed Sep 01, 2010 12:54 pm

This must be one of those times where silence is golden... 30 + hits and not one reply (LOL). I'll take the hint and go with Harken mid range blocks and press on.

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Wed Sep 01, 2010 1:50 pm

LOL!
I understand!

FYI: I have never had an issue with Harken gear.

Scott

EmergencyExit · Post by **EmergencyExit** » Wed Sep 01, 2010 4:09 pm

hp18carr wrote:This must be one of those times where silence is golden...

Nah, for me, just one of those times when I don't know what I'm talking about and actually manage to keep my mouth shut in spite of myself

Windward · Post by **Windward** » Wed Sep 01, 2010 4:22 pm

Harkens are good, but so are Ronstans, and everyone I know who's used Garhauer seems impressed.

Are the current Harkens causing problems, or are you just ready for something new?

I'm assuming you aren't going to install a traveler. Before Windward's traveler, I moved the single/becket to port side, added a second bail aft of the current one and move the port side single there, then installed a large, switchable ratchet fiddle block on starboard. That gave me a 6:1 purchase, which is actually much appreciated in a stiff breeze, and the ratchet made it much easier to trim in heavy air. Don't undersize. Carbo 57s are maybe right.

If you don't have a traveler, you want to be able to vang sheet. I cascaded my vang to get an 8:1, then led it back so that I could cleat & uncleat from the cockpit.

hp18carr · Post by **hp18carr** » Wed Sep 01, 2010 5:10 pm

Jeff

The Harkens are not giving me a problem per say... just old and worn. With my c26 certain to be on the hard for a good long while, I've a mind to replace old with new where I can. I don't for see myself sailing my c26 nearly as hard as you sail Windward, but the setup you had with the blocks before you went to a traveler sounds intriguing. If by chance you have photo of this old setup please post.

Terrence
Wilmington N.C.
Chrysler 26 1980
Pandora (for now)

Mario G · Post by **Mario G** » Wed Sep 01, 2010 6:09 pm

Hey Terrence I like my Harken blocks but there is others out there that might make price checking worth while.

I have a large number of improvements that you might want to come look at, that might help you plan your retro-fit.

I'm going to be sailing till Nov Wx permiting.

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 3:29 pm