hi all,
on my harken main block, pic attached, there is a button to turn that switches the block action from ratchet to free running

i've always left the ratchet action on but assume as it's selectable there must be situations where free-wheeling? would be better

what would those situations be?

Very light wind (especially downwind, or when playing the sheet upwind) when the ratchet causes too much drag to let the sail go out easily.

sm

I never use the ratchet on my main. My main sheet is old and doesn't flow as nicely at it should through the blocks, so the holding power is good enough without the ratchet.

That and I don't like the noise <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Maybe it's time to go buy a new main sheet.

The new-style Harken Carbo ratchet blocks no longer have this button, they automatically kick in when a certain threshold is reached (adjustable to suit your needs).
Ideal for gybing with a snippakker.

I do use the Harken carbo ratchets for my spinnaker. Those are nice, but awfully expensive...

The spinnaker kit I bought came with four ratchet blocks but I am not sure I need all of them. I usually just turn on one on each side and go with that. Maybe once I start to sail in bigger wind I will start to use both.

I use two normal blocks at the base of the side stays and the two auto ratchet blocks are on the front beam (where the jib line stops. This moves the spinnaker sheet inward, and gives better holding power to the ratchet because of the angle o the sheet in the block.

Hey Tony.

the autoratchet is for lazy crew.....

Maarten

Ratchets are a good thing.

I like the ability to turn-on or turn-off the ratchet for the main sheet system. I want to know when and how freely the sheets will run through the main blocks. Spinnaker sheets are a bit different and the auto ratchet is good for that job.

Light winds - Ratchet off so the sheets feed out smoothly.

Lighter crews or single handed sailing - Ratchet off. The boat may fly a hull to easily or capsize if the sheets do not feed out smoothly.

Moderate to higher winds with enough crew weight - Ratchet on. This holds a large portion of the sheet load which is much easier on your hands. Less grip is required.

thanks guys,
glad that i asked as having tipped over my heavy 17foot cat twice while solo it's obvious that a freer running mainsheet would a be a good thing

presumably with the ratchet off the sheet will provide better feel too

so 2nd question now the snow is on the local volcanic cones, pic attached, and i've started breaking the boat down should i be looking at an maintenance of the 25 year old traveller and main sheet block?

pics on my msn site still not showing up when added to postings so here it is attached old school

It is much harder to sneak up on other boats with the ratchet on.

I have my spinnaker blocks rigged exactly like you do, I have the first blocks attached at the shroud and the others attached to the front beam.