Actually, almost all plastics and rubbers that appear black, or other dark colors, contain Carbon black for UV stabilization.

The Harken catalog even states that their Big Bullet, Dinghy, 2.25" and 3.00" blocks have "Carbon-black filled balls" and "UV stabilized Delrin sheaves and cheeks".

Are these considered deadly "carbon blocks"?

The point I am trying to make is that some knucklehead at Hobie thinks up these arbitrary "rules" and has them approved without properly researching them through.

Here is the rule in question:

"6.6 Replacement blocks or fittings shall not be constructed of exotic materials such as carbon, titanium, etc."

In the first place, carbon is not so "exotic" anymore.

By using the term "Replacement", the onus is on the boat owner to prove that the blocks came on his boat.

What if they are not the original purchaser of the boat?

Now in reality, if every Tiger shows up with the same "carbo/carbon" blocks, then no one will protest, but the screwed up rule is still there.

I have done a lot of contract administration and I just don't like goofy rules.

HEY, a least the Tigers and Foxes are allowed to use an 8:1 mainsheet :-)

Most of us are stuck with a 7:1 or lower :-(