Im looking to upgrade to a 6:1 system from my old one. I currently have a 2 1/4
block on the boom; for the bottom block, do I need to use a 2 1/4, or can I size down to a 40mm (1 9/16th
)? The harken website says that both blocks are rated for 3/8 line, which is what I intend to use, so will this make a difference?
The larger block will handle more than twice the load.
Depends on if you can sheet without going block to block. Mast rake is VERY important on 16. Don't know a lot about 14. And smaller block should feed out faster.
Just my 2 cents,
Doug
yep, mast rake is very important on the 14!
Is this going on a 14 or 16? I would just do a 5:1 for a 14. 6:1 is a bit of overkill for that little sail. I just bought a carbo 57mm triple ratchamatic for a base block, and a carbo 40mm double with a becket for my upper block on the 14 w/ a 5/16 sheet. Haven't had a chance to use it yet, but alot of people last year at 14NA's were using 6:1 and were un-tying the end of the sheet from the becket on the base block and just putting a stopper knot in to make it a 5:1. Even with a 4:1, like they came with, it isn't that bad.
its going on a 16, sorry for the confusion
Use 5/16 line. It's a little hard on the hands at first if you're used to a larger sheet but it just wiz's through the blocks.