Feedback from several A Cat sailors is that Ronstan piece is not up to the task and that there have been numerious failures at the sheave.

My original plan was to use this but it is said to be failing with 180+ lb sailors.

Yeah, I have had some of the same experience with ronstan stuff- but I did check the SWL of these and it was 550lbs. It seems like that would be enough, but I have had the series 20 ronstan blocks do funny things.

I didn't see an equivalent harken piece which I would trust a little more...

The Ronstan VS Harken is an interesting debate. Have at it!

Ronstan vs Harken, I'll bite Gary. I wouldn't put a single peice of Ronstan #$%$^ on any boat. Several failures. Ronstan makes me feel unsafe under anyload. My only saving grace is that I that bought that ^%$# at West Marine and they gave 100% of money back. Harken is good, I prefer Lewmar.

Quality you can taste.



GARY

Hey Patrick -

Harken has built a 16mm double in-line block - it just hasn't made it into the catalog. They have some ready for sale, but you have to call the factory. I replaced the Ronstans on my boat after they failed - the new Harken blocks seem to be holding up really well.

I have had a ronstan series 20 block fail on a trap line but it didn't make me go swimming.
I don't use adjustable trap lines (only the stopper ball, no blocks). I can see how they would help, but I think that having the traps adjusted so you are well balanced upwind is good. This does leave the crew a bit high at the back downwind, but I figure that is probably not a bad thing given how crazy I can be driving with the spin <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> (especially as I get more out of practice!).
Of course, fine tuning can be done based on the conditions prior to going out.

quote "quality you can taste" you seem to be forgetting that hamburger we had in culver city.

Indeed I have! That was the most digusting Double Double I have ever had. We had to put in the freezer so that we could take it back to show them how bad it was.

Thanks for the reminder.

Avoid In N Out in Culver City at all costs.

GARY