New mainsheet block system.

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nickfabbri

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My lewmar mainsheet block and fiddle system has worn out. It is a 72mm synchro block and cam and the cam teeth are worn out.

As the purchase is 4:1 I was going to upgrade to a 6:1 using triple blocks.

I am considering Harken, Ronstan and Lewmar. All recommendations considered. The boat is a 32 ft Hanse and it mostly cruised although we occasionally race her.
 
nickfabbri said:
My lewmar mainsheet block and fiddle system has worn out. It is a 72mm synchro block and cam and the cam teeth are worn out.

As the purchase is 4:1 I was going to upgrade to a 6:1 using triple blocks.

I am considering Harken, Ronstan and Lewmar. All recommendations considered. The boat is a 32 ft Hanse and it mostly cruised although we occasionally race her.
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I have a 31First so not dissimilar to yours and cruise/race her too.

I have the system 4:1/16:1 on here http://www.harken.com/rigtips/mainsheet.php (6th down I think) & had it on my previous boat. All in Lewmar Synchro which is good kit. Much more affordable than Harken :) :)

70mm for the main and 50mm for the tweakers iirr.

The tweaker allows good control when needed if windy/racing and it makes it easier for weaker crew members to get a bit of grunt onto the mainsheet when needed.
 
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pvb said:
Much more affordable because Lewmar uses plain bearings, whereas the Harken Carbo blocks run on twin ball bearing races for ease of use and low friction.
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Indeed, and yes you get what you pay for etc; but I suggest these are perfectly good enough for the vast majority of situations...
 
pvb said:
As I get older, I find that anything which reduces effort is worthwhile!
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Compared with what was there before the Lewmars are the mutts nuts - I'm sure the Harkens would be better but how much?? My bank balance appreciates the difference......:D:D
 
I'm using the Harken 57mm triple block on a 43 footer. Works well with 8mm line to reduce friction - I'm no fan of oversizing sheets.

IIRC, cost me about £200 for the two Harken triple blocks from Marine Scene.

You could go for cheaper blocks (I guess that means Lewmar Syncro again if you're not totally disappointed with the lifespan) and add a fine tuner. Depends how focused you are on making small adjustments whilst sailing rather than just worrying about the grunt involved in getting the main in in the first place.
 
I recommend you call Harken and discuss it with them.

Their products are very good, but more importantly they are a great company to work with. I have had superb service from their people in
Lymington. They really understand leisure sailing.
 
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