Hi Folks:

I have a few questions about the mainsheet systems that you are using on your 16’s. I have the old Seaway 5:1 and it’s seen better days. I want to upgrade to a new system this spring. I sail alone 90% of the time, don’t race in sanctioned events, and I have young teenagers that want to learn to sail and have not been strong enough to handle the Seaway 5:1.

Questions)

1)I have looked at 2 systems – the Harken low profile 6:1 from Catsailor (thanks Rick!) for 258.00 and the Harken Carbo Air system at $339.00. Is there a big difference between these 2 systems? I understand the more expensive system is load sensitive, and I have seen it in the store. Is it worth the extra cash?

2) I believe the 6:1, 7:1 and 8:1 systems use the same base unit (H194 or the Harken 2632) with beckets or blocks attached. Should I purchase the 7:1 or 8:1 system? (only 6 or 7 dollars more according to the adds in Catsailor?) Can you remove a pulley from a quad unit to make it a triple, or do you have to purchase a separate triple block if you want to go back to a 6:1?

Thanks!

Mac