If I ever need a new system I'd probably go for an in boom cascade. [...]
Most boats now use a direct block to sail connection. This means the sail cut has to be boat specific, but the boom can be very light as there is just a minor compression load on it.
To go cascade you now have all the loads being sent into and through the boom plus the added compression load from the internal cascade. You need a bigger stronger boom for this plus the added room needed to mount the cascade.[...]
I was talking about it in the context of my current boat. I have right now a direct connection between the clew of the main and the blocks, around the boom. But I'm going to switch back to connect the boom to the blocks. My main clew is a little too far forward and when I sheet in hard upwind it pulls the foot of the sail tight. I also like the fact that when connected to the boom the mainsheet applies positive rotation to the mast.
My boom is beefy enough to take the loads. Anyway, it's a theoretical discussion: as long as my blocks are working I don't see the point of changing them...
