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October 30, 2017 3 min read
Winter is coming and now is the ideal time to give your boat a check over, not only if you are sailing through the winter but also if you are packing down for the colder UK months head.
Checking your boat now gives you time to think about any issues you might find and means you won't be rushing a fix in March when you are about to hit the water again.
Harken pulley systems are generally very good, but as with other kit items such as salt water can stop them working.
We took a customers boat for a blast a couple of months ago because he was having a few teething problems that he wanted our advice on. Since we had the same sort of boat it made sense.
In this case it was the sheeting angle of the kite and also the internal mainsheet system which contained a Harken pulley system allowing a 8:1 purchase.
As soon as we hit the water and starting going upwind it was clear to me that it wasn't working as it should, sheeting in the main was much more painful than it should be. One simple fix we made was switching the ratchet block on, now that's a bit easier! However there was still a fundamental issue meaning the loads were much higher than they should be, especially when sheeting from the trapeze.
When we got back to shore we started working through the system looking at one block at a time. We then came across the blocks at the back of the boom system which were totally ceased up. These were the metal high strength wire blocks which had 3mm 12 strand dyneema running through them. This was going to be the problem, they were not moving at all meaning the dyneema was being dragged around the turn rather than running smoothly round the corner.
Steps to try and resolve the issue:
Fortunately this worked and the Harken pulley system was back up and running again.
The customer was happy and the boat was working just as it should, but then we had a walk over our boat. The mainsheet pulley system worked in the same way, apart from the additional purchase it had. We sail a high performance catamaran as a mixed team, so we have upgraded our system to be a 12:1.
After the discussion with the customer we then supplied an additional Harken high strength 38mm block and another with a beckett attached. A little bit of 3mm dyneema later and he was off to change his system from an 8:1 to a 12:1.
This is a scenario we see quite a lot, especially where we sail on a salty estuary. We are obviously on hand when at events to advice but here are some top tips to prevent this from happening.
If you would like any help or advice related to any of the products we sell then just give us a call or drop us an email.
Good back, like the two separate pockets for wet and dry gear, however i find the wet pocket zip does seem to get stuck and would like the back to have straps like a rucksack so you can carry it on your back, other than that extremely happy with the 90l as it gives me tonnes of space for all my sailing gear
Delivered on time after chatting by phone to a very helpful person at Sailing chandlery. Absolutely no complaint with this Company and will continue to use them for my sailing needs.
I needed replacement Q Locks (a great product). Arrived in under 48 hours from ordering
A chandlery was the only place I could think where to get this. It's actually the strengthen the post for our washing line the steel wire (hoops both ends fitting diagonally from top of clothes post to base of another post 2 meters away supporting trellis between. The length of steel wire will soon disappear in the foliage & should provide addition structural support for many years.
Service was excellent with the length being ready before the expected date.
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.
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