Menu
0
  • Login
0

Your Cart is Empty

Zhik Superwarm

Mini Spools

Brand New Laser Boats

⛵️ Trusted For 10 Years | 30,000+ Orders Shipped

😀 90 Day Risk Free Returns

⭐️ Over 3,000 5 Star Reviews

⛵️ Trusted For 10 Years | 30,000+ Orders Shipped

Home / Hints and Tips
Previous  / Next

February 15, 2022 2 min read

40mm vs 57mm Laser Main Sheet Block

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.

Why is this?

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


Also in Hints and Tips

Boat Maintenance Tips from Sailing Chandlery
Boat Maintenance Tips

December 02, 2022 3 min read

Laser 6-1 Outhaul System
How to Build a Laser XD 6-1 Outhaul System

November 11, 2022 3 min read

Laser 8:1 Downhaul
How To Build A Laser 8 to 1 Downhaul

October 14, 2022 3 min read

Let customers speak for us

from 1001 reviews

Helpful and fast service

Edward James Allen
ILCA Top Mast - Alloy

Helpful and fast

Edward James Allen
Laser Long Rolled Sail Bag - 95812
EXCELLENT SERVICE.

Really speedy dispatch after easy buying process.
Great to see minimal packaging used to help the environment.

TP00
ILCA 6 Mainsail
Great price we'll informed

Great price. We'll informed with delivery updates. Once arrived it was better than I expected. Great cover well made

Peter mortimer
Sprint 15 Trampoline Cover - PVC Blue
Laser cover

The breathable poly cotton cover is very good quality heavy material. Fits the boat well.
Delivery very prompt.

Tony Godbold
Laser 1 Boat Cover - Breathable Polycotton
Excellent next day service.

The twine was exactly as described and perfect for the job.

roger moore
Marlow No 4 Whipping Twine
Excellent Service

Responded immediately and with excellent knowledge and customer service. Fast delivery. Can’t recommend enough!

Will
Eye Splice Service
sail repair tape

the product is perfect main sail repaired ready to go

Paul AXON
PSP Heavy Duty Sail Repair Tape White - 50mm x 2m
Flag clips

Excellent strong lightweight clips ideal for swapping out flags easily

David
Medium Nylon Inglefield Clips
Sailing chandlery - Dyneema shock cord

to be used for trapeze lines - hopefully will withstand UV better than other cheaper versions.....

myles ripley
4mm Shockguard Dyneema Shockcord
Replaced with new one

Ordered and it arrived within 2 days.. Superb personalised service. Would highly recommend this website. Thank you.

Edward Bowen
Laser Vago Gennaker
Replace old Jib

Super service, dispatched next day and arrived in time... Fantastic service.

Edward Bowen
Laser Vago Jib
Good quality and light

These blocks are a nice balance between quality and weight - I needed something light for jib sheet clew blocks as I didn’t want too much weight hanging on the corner, and it needed to run smoothly (and stay running smoothly) - these fit bill nicely. The sheave is also more protected than other blocks where the edges can get chewed up where they hit the mast.

Nick Milton
Harken 29mm Carbo Air Block - 348
Great product, price and excellent service

Used the Dyneema to make soft shackles. Spliced easily but was noticeably “tighter” when pulling through the tails than I found for similar 4mm Dyneema. Glad for the set of Fids. However I ordered the black colour and whilst it was easy to mark up white Dyneema for planning the splices I couldn’t see the pen marks I made on the black rope. I suppose I should have thought of this and got a white marker! Overall very happy.

Mike
5mm Dyneema SK78 Compact Braid Rope
Great service and product

Easy to order and promptly sent. Used the 4mm Dyneema to make soft shackles - my first attempts - found it easy to splice and it has made some useful and strong shackles.

Mike
4mm Dyneema SK78 Rope Rig 12