I have generaly had very good luck with Harken Products. The only problems I have had have related to their travelers and furlers. The stainless bolts used on their traveler cars are not strong enough. When you sheet realy hard and sail in chop they snap. The answer is to replace them with titanium bolts available from Rick Bliss at New England Catamarans. This is a 3 dollar solution.
<br>
<br>The other problem I had was a Harken high load furler drum failed while sailing in Curacao. This had a high suck factor because it caused us to demast. Harken replaced it, only after I sent a personal leter to Peter Harken. After calculating the loads on the furler and comparing them to the loads sustained in a pitchpole, or pounding in the surf, their furlers are marginal for use on Cats. In fact their catalog states they are only for 18' and smaller cats.
<br>I still recomend Harken products. In general I think they make the best gear out there. I do also know we use alot of gear at loads way above swl. Lets face it, 20 foot cats break daggerboards, rudder castings, hotsticks, shrouds, masts, etc. when you push them. When I got back from curacao, every single beam bolt on the boat was bent. Why should blocks and cleats be any different?
<br>I don't think you can expect a zero fail rate. I figure everything on the boat is an expendable. cary alot of spares, wash everthing after sailing and suck it up.
<br>
<br>Eric<br><br>