Doesn't look like they put part numbers on their hardware - is there some fairly easy way to ID a block?
-Matt
Edited by westmatt on Nov 05, 2023 - 01:33 PM.
Measure it and find it in an old catalog.
Thanks.
Had another search and found a catalog that is almost old enough. Good enough for my purposes.
westmatt wrote: Doesn't look like they put part numbers on their hardware - is there some fairly easy way to ID a block?
-MattEdited by westmatt on Nov 05, 2023 - 01:33 PM.
It's first generation Harken blocks... I have several of them. would be 2-1/4" or 3" blocks. I think they were referred to as mid-range blocks.
Scott - I assume the block with the cleat is intended to ratchet? This came with my boat, but I don't use it - I assume it would still be a decent mainsheet setup if the ratcheting action worked?
-Matt
westmatt wrote: Scott - I assume the block with the cleat is intended to ratchet? This came with my boat, but I don't use it - I assume it would still be a decent mainsheet setup if the ratcheting action worked?
-Matt
From the picture, I cannot see a knob for the ratchet. It may be on the other side. If there is a knob and the sheave has "teeth", it is a ratcheting block. It will work, but it may be tough to hold in the breeze as it's a 5:1. There is no question on the strength of the system, it is the sheet load that will be in your hand. When it is cleated, the "high" load on the sheet may not allow it to come uncleated when you want it to. (the cam cleat will clamp down on the line). I say, go sailing with it and have the understanding that when the wind picks up (maybe over 10-12 knots), you'll have some load on the sheet. Go see if you like it. I may have some older blocks that can bump the purchase up a bit...
Thanks Scott - it's got the knob on the other side, but it won't 'ratchet.' I am soaking it - if it doesn't resolve the issue, i'll just buy a 6:1 like I am using on my other boat.
-Matt
westmatt wrote: Thanks Scott - it's got the knob on the other side, but it won't 'ratchet.' I am soaking it - if it doesn't resolve the issue, i'll just buy a 6:1 like I am using on my other boat.
-Matt
good deal.. sometimes, with the age of the blocks, the gears for the ratchet give out. I have a couple of them where the know just spins and doesn't engage. If you have the budget, upgrade blocks. It is amazing how much better they are than 30 years ago.