{"title":"Harken - Brand","description":"\u003ch2\u003eGeneral Harken \u0026amp; Selection\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e1. Why should I choose Harken hardware for my dinghy over cheaper alternatives?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarken 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e2. What is the difference between Harken 'Carbo' blocks and standard blocks?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eCarbo AirBlocks®\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e3. I see different block sizes like 29mm, 40mm, and 57mm. How do I know which one to buy?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe size refers to the diameter of the sheave (the wheel inside the block).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e29mm:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perfect for control lines (cunningham, vang, outhaul) on dinghies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e40mm:\u003c\/strong\u003e Great for mainsheets on smaller dinghies (like a Laser\/ILCA) or jib sheets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e57mm:\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard for mainsheet systems on larger dinghies and small keelboats.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTip:\u003c\/em\u003e Always check the maximum rope diameter for the block; a rope too thick for the sheave will add friction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e4. What are Harken 'T2' or 'Soft Attach' blocks, and why would I use them?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eT2 range\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFunctionality \u0026amp; Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e5. How does a Harken 'Ratchamatic' block work?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA standard ratchet block is either \"on\" or \"off.\" The \u003cstrong\u003eRatchamatic®\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e6. Which Harken Cam Cleat should I choose: the Micro or the Standard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis depends almost entirely on your line size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMicro Cam-Matics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed for smaller lines, typically \u003cstrong\u003e2mm to 6mm\u003c\/strong\u003e. Ideal for control lines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStandard Cam-Matics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed for lines \u003cstrong\u003e3mm to 10mm\u003c\/strong\u003e. Ideal for mainsheets and jib sheets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eNote:\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e7. Can I replace just the balls in my Harken blocks if they fall out?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes and no. On the riveted \u003cstrong\u003eCarbo blocks\u003c\/strong\u003e (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 \u003cstrong\u003eCam-Matics\u003c\/strong\u003e (cleats), we do sell service kits that allow you to replace springs and ball bearings to make them snappy again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eMaintenance \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e8. What is the best way to maintain my Harken blocks?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most important thing is a \u003cstrong\u003efreshwater rinse\u003c\/strong\u003e 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. \u003cstrong\u003eNever\u003c\/strong\u003e use heavy grease or oil, as this attracts dirt and sand which will grind down the bearings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e9. Which lubricant should I use for Harken hardware?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe recommend \u003cstrong\u003eMcLube® OneDrop\u003c\/strong\u003e for ball bearing blocks. It is formulated to repel salt and dirt. For the jaws of your cam cleats or traveler tracks, \u003cstrong\u003eMcLube® Sailkote\u003c\/strong\u003e (a dry spray) is excellent because it creates a slick surface without leaving a sticky residue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e10. What is the difference between 'Working Load' and 'Breaking Load'?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Working Load (MWL):\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreaking Load (BL):\u003c\/strong\u003e This is the absolute limit where the block will physically fail or break.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eSafety Rule:\u003c\/em\u003e Never choose hardware based solely on the Breaking Load. Always ensure your expected loads are within the Working Load limit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","products":[],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0898\/9068\/5269\/collections\/yysw404918.jpg?v=1768915763","url":"https:\/\/sailboats.co.uk\/collections\/harken.oembed","provider":"Sailboats.co.uk","version":"1.0","type":"link"}