Harken Mainsheets

Why is the 40mm H2640 OK for the boom yet the bottom has to be the 57mm H194? Can the lower set be 40mm? Also is the ratcheting version a must have?

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79 Hobie 16

You're going to want a rachet block if you sail in any wind over about 7 mph.

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OK, I understand the ratchet feature now, thanks. Why the 57mm instead of the 40 though? Why the mix of the 40mm top and 57mm bottom? Wouldn't the 40mm H5141 on the bottom offer an even lower profile?

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79 Hobie 16

What's a few millimeters amongst friends?

Hahaha! I know, we guys like to brag about how size matters, bigger is better. In this case though the 57mm ratchet will not grab the 3/8 line as well as the 40mm and this seems to be an important issue in strong wind. I tested this out today at the local West Marine store that had both size ratchets, the 40mm ratchet grabbed the line better and its also smaller and cheaper. I'm just wondering if there is something I'm missing about the bigger block.

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79 Hobie 16

A sheet will feed in and out easier through a larger block.