Seems the Ronstan RF42100 is difficult to source. What is the fleet using? Any comments regarding the Orbit series 40, RF46101 as a suitable replacement.

hi Phillip,

our 3 LBYC spinnaker boats are using the 40 series orbits, i have found them to be good. just have to keep the sand out of them. Im running the orbits all over my boat and havent had any issues.

Would you be interested in buying an "as new" set of the original ronstan adjustable ratchets? I think I paid $50 for them delivered when they were in the ronstan clearance store, Gary will probably jump in here but the orbit blocks were too sensitive in engaging the ratchet making jibes harder, where as the original ones are adjustable.
cheers

Thanks for the offer mitchellsailor but as I am still researching, seeking further responses, will hesitate for the moment. Please ellaborate on 'as new'. If they are available, does it mean you no longer run a spinnaker?

Ronstan has now improved the new smart orbit rachet blocks
In the old orbit blocks had a spring that didnt really work well, they have now fix it and manufactured new spring out of new mattiral and works quite well. not sure on price tho, will look in to it

http://www.mauriprosailing.com/product/HAR2625.html

This is what you need. US$76.88 each.

A few of my mates and I have all bought gear through this site and had excellent service at a price more than 1/2 what you pay in AUS. Once you shop here, you will not go back to your local chandlery unless it is an emergency.

Ronstan unit US$46.90

http://www.mauriprosailing.com/Ronstan-Orbit-Blocks-Series-40-RT/RONRF46102.html

sorry stev but this is the right one!
If you buy through me i can get cheap for you!\

http://www.ronstan.com.au/marine5/product.asp?ProdNo=RF46101

Mitchell,

I will take them if they haven't gone already.
Will send PM.

Thanks guys, Orbit blocks, rf46101, Automatic or rf46102 Man/Auto. What is the better option guys? Same price!

Phillip,
As Peter said we have been using the Orbit block with no issues at all. We all (LBYC boats wih spinnakers) use the auto blocks and personally I would not go back to a manual block .... my two bobs worth.

David
Salpicon de Resplandor, 1744
and various other boats

46101. I linked to the incorrect one.

http://www.mauriprosailing.com/Ronstan-Orbit-Blocks-Series-40-RT/RONRF46101.html

This won't make friends with your local chandlery..... Sorry Matt.

The Harken one I linked to is a more reliable unit and can be adjusted so that the ratchet engages at a higher or lower load.

I'm going to give these a go.
Selden Blocks
Have the ronstan ones on my viper at the moment and my crew hates them. I expect the selden stuff to be just as good as harken. Already changed some of the other blocks to this stuff and they are just awesome.

I'll let you know.

Damn link doesnt work. Just cut and paste this in. http://www.seldenmast.com/products/?itemID=36&modelID=71

hi phillip, i run the ronstan 46101, auto. on my stingray with 21 sq.m. kite. and my crew swears by them. really good grip, very lttle pressure even in 20 knots they grip really well. never a problem thru gybes. my crew sam has the same on his elliot 7.8 sportsboat, mind you he runs the 57mm size but he also has a 56 sq.m kite!!! if you can get them cheap they definately the best to go for.

hey guys

Stev - does the freight come to your door?

the other blocks are probably good, but i got the ronstan ones because the other blocks have shackles on top and to mount them on your boat you would need another shackle to attach to the chain plate, where on the ronstan, i have a 1/4inch shackle direct on the chain plate using the shackle pin as a clevis pin on the shroud adjusters that hold up the rig and attach the ratchet to the shackle. less things to go wrong eg, pin coming out, due to not tight enough ect. and support the Australian brand

Sure do Matt..... or as I do, get them sent to your work.

It is funny, when purchasing through the Mauripro site, the Ronstan units get sent all the way to the US from AUS, then they ship them to you in the AUS and you still get them for more than 1/2 the price you see in shops!

Personally I have found the failure rate of the Harken ones a lot less than the Ronstan units. As mentioned above, you can adjust the Harken units but not the Ronstan. Harken are slightly bigger and a tiny big heavier and are secured with a shackle as you have mentioned. Ronstan are of course cheaper, even through the Mauripro site, so weigh up what is important for yourself....... I have used both and they both worked.

its disappointing to see that site now, that i cant get them in cheaper than that. best i can do is $75 each

It is scary and is doing a lot of damage to the marine supply industry in OZ. If that is the case, then perhaps the question needs to be asked of Ronstan for example, why are they getting it so much cheaper then we (retailers) can in OZ?

I know quiet a few sailors now that order from Mauri Pro only unless it is an emergency. Even in an emergency, I can order online over the weekend if I break something and recieve it at my door before next weekend...... Don't even need to drive to a chandlery!

Ronstan need a kick in the butt over that one.

Just fecked IMO.

I know I am a bit late replying to this topic, but I don't switch the home computer on that much any more, spend to much time on the computer at work these days , just want to get away from it week nights .

Yes I think the old Ronstan Auto Ratchets where better as you could adjust them to come on at a high sheet pressure, I am currently using the smallest size of the new Ronstan Orbit Auto Ratchet, I believe they are too sensitive and tend to stay on when you are gybing so the old sheet doesn't run out as easy . They do have advantages though, they are lighter and they attach easily as Matt said with the rope base, no need for more shackles .

But I must say wherever possible I do shop locally , if we don't support our local chandlery's, they will dissapear and how then will we be able to touch and feel different fittings and make comparisons , compare the advantages of different brands, work out which one does the best job that sort of thing, does the rope run freely? Of course it still comes back to availabilty and price as well, but they are not the only motivators, if the shop is doing a good job and offering a service, by offering a good range of product, in stock ready to sell that you can pick from straight away, that is something I am willing to pay a little more for.

Lastly time to address the Elephant in the room . Mitch M why are you offering to sell your spinnaker blocks?