Hi Wavers -

Harken has come up with a new set of blocks for the Wave - a 40mm carbo fiddle at the bottom, and a 40mm carbo double at the top. This ball-bearing system ratchets, is very light weight and is better quality than the stock Ronstan All Purpose blocks that come with the newer Waves. I've sailed with it a couple of times now and really like it. Drop Harken a note if you want a set - the ratcheting double is new and doesn't appear in the catalog.

Just noticed the link was cracked on this - here is Harken's photo, and the link to the tech page for these blocks.


http://www.harken.com/blocks/hobiewave.php

You can order these blocks through the Catsailor on-line store! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Does anyone know a good source for the components to build this mainsheet upgrade? I found the fiddle block and eyestrap, but am unable to locate the HSB411 double ratchet. Harken lists this as a system, but again, have found no source for this as a kit. Even the Catsailor Store.
Any suggestions?

Thanks
Jim

Well, I emailed Harken, and the HSB411 is availble as a special stock item, direct from Harken.It is not in the catalog. Pricy though, at $95 for the upper block alone.
Can anyone comment on this system?
Thanks
Jim

Would a 2638 do the job? West Marine has them for $49.99. I couldn't find one in Rick's store.

Yeah, I think it would be a more economical substitute, just no ratchet. That may be the way I go anyway. Hard to justify an extra $50 for that 411 block.

I did have a hexaratchet block on my last boat, and really liked it. I just wonder if anyone has the system listed above, and if it is worth the upgrade on a Wave.
Thanks for the reply!

Our OnlineMarineStore.com does have the 4:1 Harken Sheeting System in stock. It is a kit consisting of:
Yes the components are in stock
HHSB411 list 93.85
H2657 list 85.35
H281 list 1.20
For the Wave, we are going to list it as a Sheeting System with 40' of 1/4" or 5/16" Salsa.
Check out the attachment.

Dave has been swamped and has yet to get this online, but hopefully it will be soon.
I plan on getting the system for my Wave to try it out.
Rick

I am experimenting w/ a Harken 40mm triple w/ ratchet which I picked up way cheap on ehay.

I disassembled and swapped the ratchet sheave and mechanism into an outside position. So basically I now have the HSB411 block in triple form, I just don't use the middle pulley of course. I use this block in the upper position in place of the stock Ronstan fiddle. I reeved it as shown in the pic. I am still using the lower stock fiddle/cam for now.

I got to try it today in some pretty stiff and gusty winds. It works great, just love the ratchet. I forgot how nice these work. In light winds just switch it off. In moderate to heavier air it helps hold the sheet position with a light grip on the sheet.

I did find that during those really strong gusts, it does not always allow the sheet to ease out quick enough. I almost went over a few times. I wonder if that fuzzy dacron sheet is just not mean't for ratchet blocks. I know 1/4" would probably run thru the blocks easier, 5/16" just feels better. Any suggestions for mainsheet line upgrade?

I used 6mm Maffioli Swiftcord - easy on the hands and the smaller diameter feeds substantially better than bigger stuff through the 40mm blocks. I tried Yale LiteSpeed first because I was concerned about the way Swiftcord might wear in the ratchet - turned out my fears were unfounded. You can pick up cut lengths of Swiftcord pretty cheap, too.

Hi John,
Gotta tell ya.., as soon as I found Salsa my search for good mainsheet has ended. It is the best and not expensive.., about a dollar a foot. Doesn't knot up, glides through the blocks and very easy on the hands.
Rick

I've heard that from several folks, Rick. I haven't had to replace any line lately, so I haven't gotten to try it yet. The Maffioli mainsheet and Harken blocks went with the Wave when I sold it to Matt MacDonald. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Thanks guys. I think I will need to give the 6mm salsa a try.

I may not do it 'til spring, as cat sailing here in Maine is basically done, although there may be a few good days left. But this isn't So Cal or Keys <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Understandable. But, I thought you guys did frost biting all winter?!?!? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Every one in our fleet has switched to the Salsa. The guys use 1/4" while the lades tend toward the 5/16" line. Us guys are strong and macho, you understand.
Rick