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December 28, 2016 2 min read
Shackles have been the most popular option and have been used by sailors for many years to attach blocks to their boats boats. The obvious benefit of a stainless steel metal shackle is that they are reliable and strong. It's easy to see when a shackle is wearing with dents usually forming in the metal.
Over the past few years more blocks and other applications have appeared where rope is used as an option for attaching your block to the boat.
Quite simply rope has evolved a very long way in the past 5 years, we now have dyneema ropes which are much thinner, stronger and harder wearing. Rope is also lighter than a shackle so this will help you to reduce overall weight making you faster.
Dyneema is now rated at 15 times stronger than steel wire. Quite impressive! This is why we're seeing it being used for rigging and trapeze lines on a variety of boats.
Rope is also much softer than a shackle so will reduce wear on the boat if it's left banging around during racing. A heavy shackle can create real wear on the deck of your boat.
We believe it's for two main reasons. 1) there is a lack of understanding of the advantages of using rope and 2) people are scared to move away from their trusty metal shackle.
Correct installation of your rope attached block is essential. If you don't follow the manufacturers instructions then you're going to have a few challenges and could cause real damage to your block or pulley. All Harken soft-attach blocks sold by Sailing Chandlery come with unique instructions on how best to attach your the item to your boat.
Soft-attachments require a smooth radius attachment point. Avoid anything which could cause wear of damage to the rope being used.
Here are the soft attached pulley and block products Sailing Chandlery have in stock at the time of writing this article:
Worn these for a few races now and they have been excellent. Really high performing. They are grippy and super supportive even without using the zhik toe straps. I’ve raved about them so much that my crew and colleagues at the club have now also bought the same ones
Ordered this when my son's training sail got rippd in action. Pleased to find it here 20% cheaper than anywhere else and as always delivered correctly and in great time. Thankyou
The bag is well made and large enough for halyards as well as other items. I have used the 3M fixings but these are not really adequate and so the bags will need to be screwed in place.
I would buy again.
Delivery was on time. The O rings fitted the hatches on my topper topaz. No issues excellent service
I ordered the hiking pads for my son who was very pleased with them. The order was delivered within a few days. I’ve ordered items before from sailing chandlery and have not been disappointed with the service I received. Thank you
Loads of space in this bag for all of my kit, extra pockets are very helpful and the compartment inside keeps my dry and wet kit apart. Would recommend.
Not actually for a Topper but for a sailing canoe I have built. Pleased with the quality, delivered promptly, just the job thank you!
I’m using this with the Clamcleat CL211 and they pair perfectly. Strong and with the stiffness that I was looking for. Really pleased with the purchase and excellent quick service.
These work fantastically. Used with 6mm rope they grip instantly. Easy to adjust in small amounts and lock in with no effort at all. I was concerned that when the pressure comes off that the rope would release, but this isn’t the case at all. Really pleased with the purchase and rapid delivery.
Just what we needed, bought a second hand Topper, needed new ropes, sorted..Fitting instructions could be clearer for novices.
Very speedy delivery, and the special short length is just what I ordered. Ordering couldn’t have been simpler. Excellent service.
Harken block
Bought when I changed the wheels - arrived well wrapped with the wheels and on time. Easy to fit quality product. Good service
Easy to fit and seem to be robust as a replacement for my Trolley wheels. Arrived as promised very well wrapped. Worth checking if you need new washers and clips to add to your order.
Though not cheap this control line swivel block is just the job. Well worth the money imho.
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