Hobie 18 Jib Clew Block Replacement

I lost a jib clew block and am going to replace it. Was thinking about this (below), anyone have experience with this product?

http://www.ronstan.us/marine5/product.asp?ProdNo=RF35286

I am using the orbit blocks for a 6:1 mainsheet system. They work really well.

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H18 Newbie, Too heavy for the 14

I used them this week and weekend and they are great. The line used to secure them to the ring is very flexible and allowed the blocks to go where ever they wanted along the plane of the ring. They also allowed the line to move VERY smoothly through the block, despite me using the maximum diameter line by design (5/16). I'd recommend them to anyone seeking a clew block replacement.

mind if i ask what the advantage of rigging the jib with a jib clew block? I just purchased a Getaway used and it does not have the jib clew blocks, however I see that it comes outfitted with them.
The jib on the getaway is pretty small and I have no trouble sheeting it in. I'm thinking about adding them, but I'd like to know what the advantage of having them is. Only thing I can think of is the continuous loop on the sheet keeps things tidy on the tramp. Is there anything else?
thanks,
Mike.

The clew block provides 2:1 purchase therefore 1/2 as much force is required to pull in the sheet, but you have to pull twice as much line.

If you don't have a problem sheeting in the jib with 1:1 purchase, then no reason to add the block as it would necessitate almost twice as much jib sheet.

BTW, you can rig up a 1:1 jib sheet to be continuous. You would just need one long jib sheet line and tie each end of the line to the clew fitting.

sm

that is a great answer.
thank you!

Just something to concider ...

I use "Harken" Micro Series Blocks as my Jib Clew Blocks ... the main reason is the metal housing. I tried blocks w/ plastic/polymer housings ... and when you allow the jib to "flog" the jib blocks can beat against the mast .... the housing breaks .... some ballbearings then can come out .... and the block doesn't spin as well. I've had this happen during a race .... w/ "pick-up" crew .... trouble ...

So that's why I use the "Micro's" ....

To finish "First" .... First you have to finish ....(well) ....

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

Interesting Do you see this 1:1 rig very often? I am mostly a cruiser and I can see where this would really tidy up the tramp area and keep my big feet from getting tanlged in the jib sheets as much - what do you think of this rig?

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1984 Hobie 18

Easy enough to try. Just untie your jib sheet from the becket on the jib block and tie a stopper knot in it. Let the stopper knot run out up to the clew block and take it for a test sail. If it is too hard to sheet in, put it back the way it was. If you like it, shorten up your jib sheet.

Jim