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Post by tradisrad on Aug 26, 2014 13:50:34 GMT -5
The factory Hobie mainsheet block, at least for my old boat, is made by Ronstan. The system is a 4:1 ratio with adjustable cleat angle and there is no ratcheting function. Here is a picture of the Ronstan:  Harken makes a special low profile 4:1 set specifically aimed at the Wave. Harken p/n HSB411 double carbo block with ratchet, 2657 carbo fiddle block, 281 micro eye strap. Put these three parts together and you will have a nice ratcheting mainsheet system with adjustable cleat angle that is lower profile than the stock setup. This setup will require an eye splice to attach to the micro eye strap. If you don't have an eye splice you will have a big knot in the way of the system. The ratchet helps with the constant pull on the sail, but it's still hard sheet block to block under high winds. This set up will run about $220 from the Harken website.  ![]() A third option that I tried is triple blocks from Nautos. Nautos p/n 92030 Triple swivel & 92083 Triple swivel, cam and becket. This setup has a 6:1 ratio and is much easier to sheet the sail block to block than either of the 4:1 systems. An eye splice is nice on the becket and the cam angle is adjustable. The set up will cost about $160 from Nautos.  Here is a picture of all 3 setups side by side:   ![]() At this point I am using the Nautos 6:1 system. I am a fairly strong guy and sheeting the 4:1 systems is tough for me and my wife can't pull them tight in high winds. I find the 6:1 easy to sheet block to block and the wife can also sheet it in tightly. While the Nautos is taller than the Harken it is roughly the same height as the Ronstan and of course its wider than both. Bottom line: Ronstan: no ratchet, adjustable cleat angle. Tough to sheet block to block and tough to hold onto in high winds. Harken: Nice low profile & high quality, adjustable cleat angle and ratchet. Nice smooth system, hard to sheet block to block. Nautos: A bit larger than the Harken system, good quality, ratcheting, adjustable cleat angle and easy to sheet block to block. |
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Post by DreamWeaver on Aug 27, 2014 6:38:33 GMT -5
Wow, I've never seen the Nautos before so thanks for posting this. It's a great option! I would have considered that before purchasing the Harken's if I had known about them. The one thing I'd like to add to consider is the length of pull on the 6:1 systems is considerably longer. Sheeting is exponentially easier but it requires a much longer pull or easing to achieve the same effect of a 4:1. I've found that just a slight adjustment has a big effect powering up or depowering on the 4:1 which is nice in big air although I have to admit, after a couple of hours with my hand being crushed by the tension on the sheet, it does become fatiguing after a while. I find myself wishing sometimes I went to a 6:1. The ratchet helps a lot in reducing fatigue at the expense of instant control. Just my thoughts. That's all. Again, This is valuable info so thanks for posting this!  Steve |
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Post by DreamWeaver on Aug 27, 2014 6:40:46 GMT -5
I wanted to ask, what line are you using? I'm still using the factory sheet line but I've been considering going to the salsa as I've heard great things about it.
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Post by tradisrad on Aug 27, 2014 9:53:24 GMT -5
I'm not sure of the brand on the mainsheet. I think it's New England. It's what West Marine had on the shelf. 5/16" diameter.
I found the 5/16" a snug fit in the harken blocks as they are supposed to be 1/4" max rope size. 1/4" is too small for my liking.
It does take more pulling to sheet in with the 6:1, but fine tuning is easy enough.
The nautos blocks can go up to 1/2" rope therefor the 5/16" is a bit on the small side and slips easily when releasing the sheet. I was initially worried that I could not sheet out quick enough with the 6:1 and that was quickly mitigated in a big puff as I released the sheet.
If anyone else has other mainsheet systems please share.
Also I bought a Fid and made my own eye splice.
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Post by DreamWeaver on Sept 2, 2014 5:46:35 GMT -5
I'm not sure of the brand on the mainsheet. I think it's New England. It's what West Marine had on the shelf. 5/16" diameter. I found the 5/16" a snug fit in the harken blocks as they are supposed to be 1/4" max rope size. 1/4" is too small for my liking. It does take more pulling to sheet in with the 6:1, but fine tuning is easy enough. The nautos blocks can go up to 1/2" rope therefor the 5/16" is a bit on the small side and slips easily when releasing the sheet. I was initially worried that I could not sheet out quick enough with the 6:1 and that was quickly mitigated in a big puff as I released the sheet. If anyone else has other mainsheet systems please share. Also I bought a Fid and made my own eye splice. I have to say the more I think about it, the more I hate the factory line with the Harken blocks. Runs rough and terrible in the Harken's especially when using the ratchet. I'm gonna give this a shot and see how it goes. 5/16 or 1/4 inch salsa by NE Ropes. Which one would you use? I know a lot of guys racing use the 1/4 while the gals use the 5/16. 1/4 seems pretty small especially with a heavy load on the mainsheet. The factory line begins to crush my hand after a couple of hours of high wind sailing not using the ratchet. I think the 1/4 line would glide beautifully thru the blocks enhancing the benefit of the smoother/better block upgrade: www.sailrite.com/Salsa-Line-Single-Braid-Dyneema-Filament-Polyester-1-4 |
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Post by tradisrad on Sept 3, 2014 20:47:07 GMT -5
No matter what rope you go with it will be better than the original Hobie line in the harken blocks.
I don't like holding the 1/4" for long periods, so 5/16 would be my choice in size. The salsa has some vocal supporters, so it may be a good rope.
Also the harken blocks have a max rope size of 1/4".
My experience with them and 5/16 line was decent, but I think the 1/4 would have been a better fit for the blocks
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Post by DreamWeaver on Sept 4, 2014 5:13:57 GMT -5
If they were designed for 1/4 line, I would prob' go with that. I don't like the way the thick factory line goes thru the ratchet when activated and I bet the 1/4 is much better. Thanks for the recommendation!
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Post by Thunderstruck on Oct 14, 2014 18:21:57 GMT -5
And so it begins. Over the winter I will be finding ways to tweak Thunderstruck and a new block system is definitely on the list.
Rob
Halifax NS
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Post by DreamWeaver on Oct 15, 2014 18:00:52 GMT -5
Hope ya go all the way including the sheet. I only went half way and that's gonna change come spring. Getting the proper sheet for the harkens.
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Post by Hammbone on Feb 25, 2015 8:43:12 GMT -5
Thanks for the info here guys. I finally got my Wave last week, and I'm starting to restore and upgrade some things.
I think I'm going to get the Nautos blocks for my Wave. A friend let me sail his Wave (with stock blocks) last year in moderate winds, and I noticed that it took a lot of pulling force to sheet in. My hands would be fatigued pretty quickly with the stock set up in moderate to heavy winds.
Does anyone know the new sheet length I will need with the 6:1 set up? I'll want to upgrade the sheet as well. Maybe a 3/8" dia?
Jim
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Post by Hammbone on Feb 25, 2015 10:09:42 GMT -5
Just noticed your eye splice, tradisrad. Nice job!
Jim
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Post by Hammbone on Feb 25, 2015 10:33:37 GMT -5
Doing the math on the main sheet, if the stock 4:1 set up requires a 35' main sheet, then I guess a 6:1 set up will require 52'.
Does that sound right, guys?
Thanks, Jim
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Post by DreamWeaver on Mar 7, 2015 6:30:54 GMT -5
LOL Jim, I have no idea. Sorry I can't help with that.I believe those 6:1's will be super nice. My hand gets crushed sometimes after a couple of hours in high winds running the harken's when I forget to use the ratchet. Brutal!
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Post by Hammbone on Apr 9, 2015 16:56:32 GMT -5
I just want to let you guys know that I've sailed a few times now with my new Nautos 6:1 blocks, and I absolutely love them. I also upgraded my main sheet to this 3/8" NovaTech XLE that I found on e-bay, and I like it too. They work well together, they're easy on my hands, and I still get good response time when sheeting in or out. www.ebay.com/itm/361103791072?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AITJim By the way, 50' was the right length for a 6:1 set up on my Wave. |
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