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February 15, 2022 2 min read
The Laser has had many different configurations during its life, in recent years alongside the 8 to 1 downhaul system we have also seen more people switching out their 57mm ratchet block for a 40mm ratchet block.
The main reason is the thickness of the main sheet. Most Lasers have had in the past 8mm main sheets. The 8mm rope sat inside the sheave of a 57mm block and gives more friction therefore more grip. But in recent years around the boat park, you may have seen people using 6mm main sheet rope.
6mm lines like Kingfisher Evolution Sheet and Marlow Marstron are lighter and smaller creating less friction through your blocks, making your sailing easier. Therefore having more control over the main sheet in lighter winds and the sheet going out easier and quicker when gybing and starting the downwind leg.
The 57mm block is designed to work with lines up to 10mm and by having a 6mm line running through the block it will work fine but the block is not working at its peak performance.
The 40mm can also take up to 10mm rope but being narrower and shallower the sheave works very effectively with 6mm and 7mm ropes.
Another big advantage to having the 40mm ratchet block is, on a winder day when you have all your control lines pulled hard on and excess rope in the boats cockpit you are less likely to have your controls getting caught and tangled in the larger opening of the 57mm block.
Here are the links to the two blocks for you to compare. Which do you use?
Harken 2608 40mm Ratchet Block With Swivel
Excellent to use as for a birthday gift to family members keen on sailing
Currently 2 weeks into an Eastern Mediterranean trip with these shoes. Grip is great and they drain really well. Comfort is brilliant… as long as you take the right size. I followed the measurement guidelines and they work well. Highly recommend shoe!
Quick despatch and a good quality product. Moves smoothly along the boom.
Ordered a dyneema RSAero halyard on the Thursday. It arrived by mid day on the Friday and was used on the Saturday. Excellent product and service. Thank you
Reeves really easily, jams well and excellent grip
I bought the burgee and clip for a Hartley 12 and found downwind sailing much easier single handed. The clip came with the screws so it was a 10 minute job including dropping the mast. Website worked well again and the items were delivered quickly so a good job all round.
Work really well.
Lovely looking Lazer decal, sticks very well and easy to fit.
What a lovely rubber stick.
Fits perfectly, and comes with everything you need
I have bought so many this from chandlery, but this is the first time I felt disappointed, due to the size of the tape supplied.
I could of bought from elsewhere and got a much bigger roll for a similar price.
Perfect with 6 mm shockcord for reefing mainsail. Delivered promptly.
Cover arrived after three days and is well made and completely covers the boat boom up . The straps and clips all work fine. Good product.
Best padding I've found for my ancient rear end!
Ropes are great quality and do the job they say they do! Would highly recommend - price is also a lot more reasonable than equivalents from other companies
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