Mainsheet Ratchet Blocks

   I am looking to replace my mainsheet ratchet block with a larger one. This is due to not wanting to have a cleat. I am looking at the Harken 57mm Carbo ratchet or the Ronstan Fredrickson 60mm ratchet block.
Which do you think is better? or should I be looking at autoratchets?
Many Thanks
Andrew

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Andrewst Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 14 Aug 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 129	Post Options Post Reply Quote Andrewst Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Mainsheet Ratchet Blocks Posted: 05 Oct 06 at 10:01am
	I am looking to replace my mainsheet ratchet block with a larger one. This is due to not wanting to have a cleat. I am looking at the Harken 57mm Carbo ratchet or the Ronstan Fredrickson 60mm ratchet block. Which do you think is better? or should I be looking at autoratchets? Many Thanks Andrew

Guests Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Guest Group	Post Options Post Reply Quote Guests Quote Reply Posted: 05 Oct 06 at 11:26am
	The ronstan Fredrikson block, nothing else quite compares. What boat you sailing?? Doug

Jamie600 Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 14 Jun 05 Online Status: Offline Posts: 718	Post Options Post Reply Quote Jamie600 Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 05 Oct 06 at 12:42pm
	I've got a Freddy on my 600, no complaints

Matt Jackson Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 21 Sep 04 Location: Darlington Online Status: Offline Posts: 962	Post Options Post Reply Quote Matt Jackson Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 05 Oct 06 at 12:52pm
	Freddy
	Laser 203001, Harrier (H+) 36

m_liddell Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 27 May 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 583	Post Options Post Reply Quote m_liddell Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 05 Oct 06 at 12:59pm
	Freddy blocks = win.Better than everything else I've used and have them on my 14. The Feddy block the lasers comes with now is so much better than the previous block. Edited by m_liddell

Andrewst Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 14 Aug 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 129	Post Options Post Reply Quote Andrewst Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 05 Oct 06 at 1:25pm
	I am sailing a laser 3000 which has been converted to aft bridle and off boom sheeting. I have been advised that a larger ratchet block will save the arms when it gets windy. I dont use a jammer in light winds and dislike using one in strong winds so the need for a good ratchet block. Many Thanks Andrew

Hiker Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 11 Jul 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 10	Post Options Post Reply Quote Hiker Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 05 Oct 06 at 1:38pm
	I changed from a Fred to a Harken 3" Hexaratchet on my Finn, - it's like having another hand. It looks and sounds a bit heavy duty but it is brilliant in use.

NickA Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 30 Mar 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 784	Post Options Post Reply Quote NickA Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 05 Oct 06 at 2:02pm
	Andrew, The "freddy blocks" are certainly very good indeed and look even better. The harken hexaratchets are bulky but super reliable and confidence inspiring. However, I just got my new 3000 and it has tiny 40mm harken carbo blocks throughout (Harken part 2636 I think, £22 each). The ratchet block is mounted on the bridle (suggestion from Blobby on this site: cheers mate) with the two boom mounted blocks being plain. With off the boom sheeting, the small block = less things to clonk your head on. Also if you mount the ratchet on the bridle, it needs to be small to get the best sheeting angles. The rope grip with the small blocks seems fine - up to force 3 / 4 at least. Raced off single handed (hence not legally!) against the laser 3000s in the the last race of the Nationals on Sunday and beat the entire fleet by a leg or more (actually the boat did - I mostly sat there)! So it all seems to work.

Guest Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 21 May 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Post Options Post Reply Quote Guest Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 05 Oct 06 at 2:13pm
	I have always used Harken and found them to be excellent and last for ever ... Rick

ifoxwell Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 05 Jan 06 Location: Hoo Online Status: Offline Posts: 669	Post Options Post Reply Quote ifoxwell Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 05 Oct 06 at 2:20pm
	For what its worth... Of the two you have listed Id say the Fred was better by miles however if you like Harken take a look at the bigger block as its much better than the 57. I do find the fred doesnt handle thinner mainsheets very well however! Ian