I usually sail an Ent, without mainsheet cleat, and I generally don't like cleats on the main. However, I find it's nice and easy to just cleat the main when messing about with the controls on the Laser (which I do more often than on the Ent). One drawback is that the mainsheet often gets snagged in the block when it is twisted around, and can't run freely. Not sure if that would also be an issue with a simple block.

What is your experience? Will a ratchet block be sufficient to hold the main while pulling on the kicker? Should I put cleats on the sides?

While cleats on centre mainsheet blocks work well on many classes I think the geometry of the Laser means that side cleats are much better and easier to use.

Thanks for all the replies -- I will try just with the ratchet block, and if I find I can't handle it, I'll fit side deck cleats.

As for the mainsheet... 8mm is way too thick. It won't run through the blocks properly and also when sailing downwind in light wind it will pull the boom to the centre with its weight. The best option is either the rooster 7mm or the Southern Ropes sheets. They do a 5.5 and a 6mm, yellow and red respectively. I always used their 6mm red sheet. A good pair of builders gloves is needed in any breeze.

There are a number of options available under the class rules for all your systems.

Originally posted by transient Using main sheet cleat in a small dinghy?........Aaaaargh. .

Using a main sheet cleat on most small dinghies is not good practice and on a Laser it certainly isn't common practice. 

You will not be in full control of the boat with the main sheet cleated just as you wouldn't be in full control of a car with the throttle jammed open ( best analogy I can think of at the mo).
A mainsail needs constant attention and trimming to maintain speed and control heel. 

Everything you need to do in a Laser can be done with two hands and no cleats. (apart from rolling fags )

Don't claim opinions as fact. Even as alternative facts. I most certainly do want cleats on my Laser and having done both I'm quire sure about it. The fact that some are happy without and prefer things that way is not contested - I'm certainly not going to try and impose my preferences on others, so perhaps you could do the same? 

being a fun sponge doesn;t come into it 

fitting  or not of side deck cleats is optional , as is the exact model of cleat  (  although for the use the get the cheapies  that are / were  the standard  cleat  are more than adequate )

fitting a  centre jammer  is also allowable,  the  last block  is the one pieceof  mainsheet hardware that is  relatively  free choice on the laser. 

On more open water you might want cleats.

I think the issue with a centre jammer for a laser is that the bit of boat is gets screwed on to is not horizontal, but slopes down towards the back. Consequently the jamming/unjamming angle varies depending how far aft you are sitting. If sitting aft, it won't go into the cleat. Sit forward and it won't come out.

Personally, I rarely switch the ratchet on, even my irreplaceable Fredie takes feel away. I'd personally rather cheat and cleat it off when doing so does not really matter and the arms are tired. But mostly being a pond sailor, I'll just take the strain and keep the feel; adjustment needs to be pretty much constant.

I can understand the benefits of cleats on some boats. I don't understand how a cleat helps you gybe a laser when it's windy though...? Anyone care to explain this?

I suspect the reason there are so many advocates for  Laser mainsheet jammers or cleats on this forum is more a concession to age and comfort. Fair enough, they're good reasons and like me the forum is getting older. No doubt there will come a time in the not too distant future when I'll want cleats as well.

I'm no expert on Lasers, I used to have one didn't like it but I have read loads of stuff on sailing lasers over the years and I can think of no technique, at any point of sail that lends itself to jammers or cleats. The time it takes to adjust sail controls can be handled by holding the mainsheet in the tiller hand.

For the vast majority of posters here using the cleat while sailing a Laser will hamper improvement of technique........if folk aren't interested in improving technique then that's absolutely fine.

My technique is shyte by the way but I still live in hope. 

So how did you flick the sheet through the gybe to stop it hooking the transom? Or were you doing the seriously old school tiller extension hook to clear it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twM3ZBS1irA

Anyway Laser193713 we get that you don't like cleats. Others do. Some might even like a centre jammer. Each to their own, eh?

Used to do that all the time til i perfected the technique. Always on a vital tack or gybe.....

Try harder 

The original post was asking "What is your experience? Will a ratchet block be sufficient to hold the main while pulling on the kicker? Should I put cleats on the sides?" 

To which I answered with my experience, explained that a good ratchet block would be sufficient and that he shouldn't add cleats to the side.

Thanks for all the replies and the interesting discussion!

We are probably just getting started! Next thing is which ratchet block. They are not all equal.

Not withstanding my preference for all things Harken, the nicest for the Laser is the Fredieriksen, now made by Ronstan, but they are rare and expensive.

https://www.roostersailing.com/pd/Ronstan-RF62100-60mm-Freddie-Ratchet-Block_101077.htm

A Ronstan Orbit Ratchet gave up the ghost on my too quickly, the Selden that came with my 100 is 'orrible.

So if not a Fredi, I suggest Harken.

Stand by for another 5 pages...

Two of those was what I paid for my Laser...   :O

The ronstan/fredi is by far the best choice. They are by no means cheap though. What is wrong with the Selden one? When I had my 100 I actually quite liked it, it wasn't as "bitey" as the fredi but it certainly worked well. The issue was more the stupidly thick, fluffy mainsheet. I changed this for a 6mm laser mainsheet after having the boat for a month or so and it all worked well after that.

The Harken is my least favourite of the lot. I have one on my 400 and it annoys the hell out of me, it squeaks as you ease the sheet and the grip is quite inconsistent especially when it gets wet. It's okay on that boat though because I have a mainsheet cleat!!! 

They really kill my bum!

I believe so. Many people have. As it is not mandatory to fit them when the boat is new then removing them must be OK (I took them off all of mine). I am sure you could find a definitive answer if you trawled through the Laser class rules.

Nothing to do with the bearings, it's the grip between the sheet and the surface of the block which is noisy and unpredictable when the sheet is being eased.

Nothing to do with the bearings, it's the grip between the sheet and the surface of the block which is noisy and unpredictable when the sheet is being eased.