Laser Rigging help

I recently got a used laser and the blocks that it came with are awful. I have a few unused blocks on my keel boat can I use them to the mainsheet blocks or do I have to get laser approved blocks. And can I change the way the travler, the vang, the cunnigham and outhaul are setup. What are the rules when it comes to changing blocks and lines.

In short, the sheet blocks on the boom, the traveller blocks, and the vang cleat block have to be a certain model, other blocks are essentially free. Lines can be changed quite freely.

Longer version:

• sheet blocks have to be either the "classic" Allen or the newer Laser-specific Harken blocks. The former can't be very expensive and your local Laser dealer should have them. If you're replacing boom blocks you need to do some drilling and riveting.
• there are 3 alternatives for the vang cleat block: old Allen, new Allen and Harken. If your boat is more than 12 years old what you have is the old Allen, and I don't recommend spending the money to replace it. (Others may disagree.)
  
• all other blocks are free, except their sheaves can't be more than 30 mm in diameter and they can't have more than two of them (no triple blocks).
• lines can be changed to any length and thickness, but they can't be tapered. Also, you can have only one separate length of rope for the traveller, two for outhaul and vang, and three for the cunningham.

If you have more questions, remember that all the answers are here: http://www.laserinternational.org/rules/classrules

Thx for the help

You're welcome!

Spend a few dollars and get a system that works!

I've shared this with quite a few (I don't know the guy who made it) and get positive comments about it. Read the comments for even more tips:

Ha! I knew someone would disagree...

If I've understood it right, this is a 1979 boat that cost 1000 dollars (CAD). Just the new deck fittings and a new vang cleat block are worth more than half of that. It just doesn't make economical sense. Incidentally, I updated a 1979 boat a few years back, and not for a second did I think it needed any "XD"-ish stuff. Replace all that is broken or worn, especially lines, check the tiller and extension lengths, and get 5 or 6 small single blocks to make the controls run smoothly. That's all you really need, at least for now.

About the video: Alan remarked on the other thread that you shouldn't use more than one shackle to attach the outhaul block to the gooseneck. Also, one could rig a better 8:1 outhaul with three single blocks instead of two doubles.

Think of it as two separate purchases... I think you'd be able to sell the vang separately if you wish when you part with your boat - it will be worth more with the right kit... because Lasers are sooo much easier to make adjustments with the new kit... think of it less as sound financial investment and more about having a good time on the boat...

The awful mainsheet blocks are probably the sort we've been using for a long time - the replacement are only meant to be the official ones... (the 'new' official ones are better - there are unofficial ones that cost less.)

Like to see the 8:1 outhaul system using three singles. I had one but it used three ropes, so had to change it after being told the error of my ways by the Laser police...

Here's the maestro with his setup:

Well... if you want expensive goodies for your boat (and you have the money), of course you buy them... I mean, I'm not setting a good example myself, my boat is fairly old and I still keep updating it though it would have been smart to change to a new one ten years ago, and to another one now... I guess it's an emotional thing.

To the original poster: it depends what you want to do. What level of competition are you aiming at? What I'm saying is that you don't have to spend an awful lot more money on your equipment to learn and have fun.

About Robert: I've looked at his equipment before, and it's interesting for the anachronisms. Talking about the vang, he won the 2004 Olympics using the old Allen cleat block, almost three years after it wasn't required anymore. Even now he's using a 10:1 purchase instead of the standard 15:1. And he has a single piece of rope for his cunningham. And a rope clew tie-down. Etc.

You hit the nail on the head LaLi (again), and in spite of what I said above about spending money, last two races I sailed in were both won by an old club boat with the old style kicker.

Bottom line, racing in a boat with lesser gear is better than not racing at all!