Snapped main sheet block.

Was out for a sail the other day and wouldn't you know I snapped the main sheet block. The boat sat for a while before I got it, so I'm still finding things that need to be replaced. It wasn't even blowing stink out there either. I think it was around 8 mph that day. . .






On a lighter note. . .it was a good half day sail that I enjoyed!

Hi Joshua,

Those are (were) a set of origonal "Seaway" Mainsheet Blocks ... and they are at least 25yrs old at the newest ....

They are long past due for replacement, and I mean loooooooog past due ...

When you replace them, at the same time I would upgrade to the 7X1 Mainsheet Block system. This system is class legal on the H18 and will swivel top and bottom allowing you to have easier sheeting as the blocks/camcleat is able to rotate and face you no matter where on the boat you are sitting ... of course the higher ratio means you do not have to pull as hard, but note you will need a longer mainsheet line. I recommend hanging the mainsheet stack off the rear/aft boom becket or the middle becket as you need the angle and pressure to push the boom forward to help induce mast rotation ....Ok???

Both Harkin and Lewmar make very nice blocks that are good replacements ... Be sure to look at the adjustment angles for the camcleat, how many different settings, and how easy that adjustments is to do. If you have a H18Mag and do "Hobie Racing" this is important as you need to adjust that angle up or down as you remove the wings or re-install them.

( I didn't and pitch-poled when traped-out off of the wing and couldn't easy the mainsheet , as it would just bounce off the wing w/ the camcleat set to low for racing w/o wings from the previous weekend .... it was a SPECTACULAR pitchpole and the talk of the dinner table w/ the race commitee that night)

I would look at the Harkin Carbo Ratchmatic, either the (75mm) or (57mm) series ..... Also you can use Lewmar 60mm Racing Blocks ....

I have a set of Lewmars' since they were availible first and I wanted to replace my Harkin "Big Block" 7X1 mainsheet stack as the range of adjustments for the camcleat were not quite to my liking ... then the Harkin Carbo's came out two years later ...

So I have the Harkin "Big Block" Mainsheet stack set-up for the Magnum Wings and use the Lewmars' for Hobie Class Racing ... both have Yale "Conception" 5/16dia line on them ..... very nice line (a Mafiolli clone).

_________________
HarryMurphey
H-18 mag/ #9458
Fleet 54 Div 11

Thanks Harry,

I didn't realize that blocks were so expensive (but I should have known). It looks like I'll have to upgrade a little at a time. My wife and I are in the begining of our overseas adoption process. . . so right now there are better things to spend the money on. .

I did notice when I was out that the blocks didn't release the main very well. I was nervous about getting out in gusty wind conditions as I learned because of this. I don't have anything to compare with, but I'm assuming that the main should release extremely fast. .. unlike my setup now.

Is there a specific block with the right adjustable camcleat you would reccomend. I'm not going to be racing . . . .probably ever with my boat. Is there a setup that is simplified, or do you just replace each piece with the same type block. Sorry I'm still learning and I just don't have the opportunity to check out others setups.

Hi,

I really like my Lewmars' .... my friend really likes his Harken Carbos'.

Both are excellent blocks and both are approximently the same price .... but they will last for a long time .... many, many, years. So that is how you have to think about a purchase like this ... as an investment for the "long haul".

I would check them out at a local marine store ... then check E-Bay or Craigs List to see if someone is selling them ... you just may get lucky ...

Good Luck w/ the overseas adoption .... I hope it goes smoothly for you, and brings your wife and you great joy ....

_________________
HarryMurphey
H-18 mag/ #9458
Fleet 54 Div 11

Thanks, I didn't understand the upgrade you mentioned. I went back to the search on here and got a bit of an education. Some were your posts. . . .so thanks for those too. I understand the block setup, so I may just save some money and see if I can make the upgrade now. I'm a patient guy and my good friend said he had something that will get me out on the water, so I may have a little more time to make it happen.