Consider Pre-ordering New Mainsheet Blocks

I have no idea whether or not the new replacement blocks for the mainsheet will be difficult to acquire at first or not, but I do expect them to be a major help getting the sheet to run out in light air. They are available to pre-order and I’ve decided that they are too appealing to not get in the front of the line.

My first attempt at getting the sheet to run easier through the blocks when the breeze was down was to switch to a 6mm line. It worked pretty well – less friction in the blocks, less weight dragging the boom back into the wind or causing it to fall down from the high side. But there were very few days when the breeze didn’t pick-up at some point, and the line could be difficult to hold. One memorable day I created some kind of damage in my finger from the strain of holding the line and I’ve been pretty leery every since – gloves are a must.

Harken’s new blocks appear to be a huge step forward and may allow a good ease with the regular 7mm sheet I like to use. I have also dumped a couple of times when the shrink wrap on the traveler blocks began to give way and the blocks jack-knifed and locked up on the deck. The new block is just that - a block rather than blocks. No more flex joint and no more shrink wrap.

To fully replace the old blocks you will need to drill out the rivets and re-rivet the pad eyes. If you haven’t done this it can look a bit intimidating, but anyone reasonably careful with a drill can easily handle it. The “pop rivet” tool is also pretty reasonable, or give a call and borrow mine.