Harken Dinghy Sailing Hardware at Sailboats.co.uk

Experience the gold standard in performance sailing with our comprehensive range of Harken dinghy hardware. Trusted by Olympic champions and club racers alike, Harken is synonymous with efficiency, reliability, and precision engineering. At Sailboats.co.uk, we specialise specifically in Harken’s small-boat range, ensuring your dinghy—whether it’s an ILCA, RS Aero, 420, or a high-performance skiff—is fitted with the best gear on the water.

  • Why Choose Harken for Your Dinghy?

    Harken has established itself as the premier choice for dinghy sailors by focusing on a single, critical goal: reducing friction.
    In the world of small-boat sailing, where manual power and rapid adjustments are key, the efficiency of your hardware can be the difference between winning a race and falling behind.

    • Advanced Ball-Bearing Technology: Harken’s legendary ball-bearing systems allow blocks to rotate freely even under extreme tension, making it easier to trim sails and adjust control lines with precision.
    • Weight-to-Strength Optimisation: Using high-grade materials like carbon-reinforced resins and hard-anodised aluminium, Harken's dinghy range minimises weight without compromising on breaking strength.
    • Exceptional Durability: Designed for the harshest marine environments, Harken components are built to resist UV degradation and saltwater corrosion, providing years of reliable service.
    • Proven Competition Pedigree: Harken is the hardware of choice for the world’s most demanding sailors. Their fittings are standard equipment on many Olympic-class dinghies and high-performance skiffs, proving their reliability at the highest levels of the sport.
    • Ergonomic Design: From the positive engagement of Cam-Matic cleats to the easy-to-grip surfaces of their ratchet blocks, every piece of Harken gear is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, even when wearing gloves or in high-pressure manoeuvres.

  • Why Buy Harken Hardware from Sailboats.co.uk?

    Selecting the right hardware for your dinghy is just as vital as the gear itself. When you are out on the water, you need to trust that every block, cleat, and line will perform under pressure. That is why so many competitive and recreational sailors choose us as their primary equipment partner.

    Why We Are the Preferred Choice for Dinghy Sailors

    True Dinghy Specialists
    Many general chandleries try to be everything to everyone, but we take a different approach. We focus exclusively on the small-boat market. This specialisation means we understand the nuances of dinghy rigging that others might miss.

    Unmatched Inventory Levels
    There is nothing more frustrating than finding the part you need only to see a "backordered" notification. We maintain a massive, on-site inventory of Harken dinghy components. By keeping deep stock levels, we ensure that the gear you need is ready to ship immediately, significantly reducing your downtime and getting you back on the water faster.

    Technical Advice from Active Sailors
    Our team isn't just a group of sales representatives; we are active dinghy sailors who spend our weekends on the same start lines as you. If you are debating between a specific Carbo block or aren't sure which fairlead will minimise friction on your deck layout, we provide honest, expert guidance. We want to ensure you get the right fit the very first time.

    Rapid, Reliable Dispatch
    We know that a broken part can mean the difference between winning a regatta and watching from the shore. Our logistics team prioritises speed, offering rapid dispatch to get your replacements delivered directly to your front door in time for the next race.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which Harken blocks are best for small dinghies?

The Harken Carbo Air Block range is the most popular choice for dinghies. They are lightweight, high-strength, and feature ball bearings for low-friction performance. For high-load applications like mainsheets or vangs, we recommend the 29mm, 40mm, or 57mm Carbo series.

Can I use Harken hardware on any brand of dinghy?

Yes. Harken hardware is universal. Whether you sail a Laser/ILCA, Topper, RS Aero, or a Wayfarer, Harken components can be retrofitted to improve your control systems.

What is the difference between Harken Micro and Midrange blocks?

For dinghy sailors, Micro blocks are ideal for control lines (cunningham, outhaul) where space and weight are critical. Midrange blocks are typically reserved for larger keelboats or very high-load dinghy applications. For most dinghy mainsheets, the Carbo Air or 75mm blocks are the standard choice.

How do I maintain my Harken blocks and cleats?

To keep your Harken gear performing perfectly, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water after every sail to remove salt and grit. Avoid using heavy grease; instead, use a specialized dry lubricant like OneDrop if the bearings need a refresh.

Do you stock Harken replacement parts and accessories?

Yes, we stock a wide range of Harken accessories, including springs, stand-up boots, and replacement cam cleats, to help you maintain your existing systems without replacing the entire unit.

Harken Collections

More Info

General Harken & Selection

1. Why should I choose Harken hardware for my dinghy over cheaper alternatives?

Harken is widely considered the gold standard in sailing hardware. For small boats, their "Carbo" and "T2" ranges offer an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. While they might cost a little more initially, the reduction in friction makes line handling significantly easier, and their UV-stabilized ball bearings tend to last much longer than budget alternatives, saving you money in the long run.

2. What is the difference between Harken 'Carbo' blocks and standard blocks?

The Carbo AirBlocks® are Harken’s primary small-boat line. Despite the name, they aren't made of pure carbon fiber, but a high-load, engineering-grade nylon resin reinforced with long glass fibers. This makes them 60% stronger and 30% lighter than classic stainless steel blocks. If you are racing or want to reduce weight aloft, these are the best choice.

3. I see different block sizes like 29mm, 40mm, and 57mm. How do I know which one to buy?

The size refers to the diameter of the sheave (the wheel inside the block).

  • 29mm: Perfect for control lines (cunningham, vang, outhaul) on dinghies.
  • 40mm: Great for mainsheets on smaller dinghies (like a Laser/ILCA) or jib sheets.
  • 57mm: The standard for mainsheet systems on larger dinghies and small keelboats.
  • Tip: Always check the maximum rope diameter for the block; a rope too thick for the sheave will add friction.

4. What are Harken 'T2' or 'Soft Attach' blocks, and why would I use them?

The T2 range is designed to be tied onto your boat using a Dyneema lash (included) rather than attached with a stainless steel shackle. They are incredibly popular on modern race boats because they are lighter and, importantly, they don't bang against the deck as loudly/heavily as metal shackles. They also self-align perfectly with the load.

Functionality & Features

5. How does a Harken 'Ratchamatic' block work?

A standard ratchet block is either "on" or "off." The Ratchamatic® is smarter—it senses the load. When the wind is light and there is no pressure on the sheet, the ratchet disengages so the line runs freely (great for light-air gybes). When the wind picks up and load increases, the ratchet automatically engages to help you hold the weight. We highly recommend these for mainsheets.

6. Which Harken Cam Cleat should I choose: the Micro or the Standard?

This depends almost entirely on your line size.

  • Micro Cam-Matics: Designed for smaller lines, typically 2mm to 6mm. Ideal for control lines.
  • Standard Cam-Matics: Designed for lines 3mm to 10mm. Ideal for mainsheets and jib sheets.
  • Note: If you are holding high loads, look for the Aluminum (hardcoat) versions rather than the Carbo (composite) versions, as the teeth wear down slower on the metal cams.

7. Can I replace just the balls in my Harken blocks if they fall out?

Yes and no. On the riveted Carbo blocks (the most common small boat range), the blocks are sealed and cannot be opened to replace bearings; if they are damaged, the block usually needs replacing. However, for Cam-Matics (cleats), we do sell service kits that allow you to replace springs and ball bearings to make them snappy again.

Maintenance & Care

8. What is the best way to maintain my Harken blocks?

The most important thing is a freshwater rinse after every sail, especially if you sail in salt water. Salt crystals are the enemy of ball bearings. Periodically, wash them with a mild soap and water solution. Never use heavy grease or oil, as this attracts dirt and sand which will grind down the bearings.

9. Which lubricant should I use for Harken hardware?

We recommend McLube® OneDrop for ball bearing blocks. It is formulated to repel salt and dirt. For the jaws of your cam cleats or traveler tracks, McLube® Sailkote (a dry spray) is excellent because it creates a slick surface without leaving a sticky residue.

10. What is the difference between 'Working Load' and 'Breaking Load'?

  • Maximum Working Load (MWL): This is the maximum load the block can handle continuously without deforming or seizing. You should aim to stay within this limit for normal sailing.
  • Breaking Load (BL): This is the absolute limit where the block will physically fail or break.
  • Safety Rule: Never choose hardware based solely on the Breaking Load. Always ensure your expected loads are within the Working Load limit.