Stand-up-block for recreational sailing

[nikname]

Any suggestions for upgrading to a stand-up block on a pre 70's sunfish. It will be used for recreation only. I have read about the 57mm Harken 2135, however it seems I need to buy all the bits separately (eye strap, spring block etc), and it seems pricy.

Would a smaller block be sufficient? For example 29mm Harken H349??

 

[tag]

Intensity Sails does have a cheaper 57mm block: Nautos 57mm Manual Ratchet Block
The spring and eyestrap are a couple bucks.

I think that block would perform better than the 29mm one you mentioned above for only maybe $10 more.

 

[beldar boathead]

Tag is correct. The H349 freely spins in each direction, whereas the recommended blocks either automatically or by flipping a switch spin only one way - when you pull in. Since it doesn’t spin going out, it takes some of the load off your hand.

 

[nikname]

Excellent - thanks for the recommendation.

The question remains - although I am (1) a beginner and (2) NOT racing, most advise is to not cleat the mainsheet. I interpret the ratchet mechanism to be equivalent to cleating the mainsheet. Have I misunderstood the function of a ratcheting block?

 

[tag]

this video explains really nicely how the ratchet effect helps reduce the line pull that your hands will see (when trimming)

a cleat is a HARD stop in the line, the ratchet mechanism and grooved sheaves just grip the line and reduce the line pull.

 

[nikname]

Wonderful thank you!