8:1 overkill?

I currently have a 5:1 main sheet system and I am looking to upgrade. I can get a Harken 8:1 in real good condition for 150 dollars. Is an 8:1 over kill for my 16? Are there any disadvantages of getting a 8:1 compared to a 6:1?
Also currently my 5:1 system connets to two different placed on the boom and the 8:1 system would only connect to one spot. Would this be to much force pulling down in one spot on the boom, where the 5:1 system pulls from two different spots on the boom?

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Jake C

2008 Hobie 16

I would buy it and if you want to reduce it to an 7:1 you can just just tie it off around the lower becket.

8:1 is handy in really great conditions. Harken's standard 5:1 can be modified with a couple of blocks to 8:1. It is just as important to be able to lower the ratio in low wind to maintain your feel. Can the ratio be lowered?

As far as the points of attachment - I am pretty sure that is variable too, but overall, you can attach to one point on the boom or the other as a matter of personal preference.

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The fact that this windy world is largely covered in water obviously means that man was meant to sail.

I got my blocks with a becket on both the upper and lower. I currently run it 7:1 by tying off on the upper becket. by adding a 40mm pulley to the lower block and tying off on the lower becket I can go to a 8:1.

Higher ratio than 6:1?

Unless you have some weight on the boat, a higher ratio... more sheaves and turns for the line, just adds too much resistance when trying to sheet out. The risk is a capsize.

Personally, I can't imagine using more than a 6:1 on the 16. When used with a ratchet in higher winds and without in lighter stuff, it works great. I never felt it was hard to sheet.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Matt,

with the sheet (Maffioli - Swiftcord 8mm red) and blocks (Harken carbos), I have no problem dropping the main in an instant. I do agree, I do not see any need to go higher than 7:1 until I get my H18 but that is a boat of a different color.