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Rated 4.9 out of 5 by our customers
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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.
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The sales team were quick responding to our questions, dispatched to us promptly, and the product is a perfect replacement for our old tiller which ended up at the bottom of a lake!
It was time for me to upgrade to a newer Ilca and it was recommended that I get a Devoti. The price was competitive and the service from Andrew and his team was fantastic. I received lots of communication and the boat was delivered to me within 2 weeks. It is really great that Sailing Chandlery take the time to set up the rigging so that you can get straight on the water. I am very pleased with my new boat and am loving sailing it. Thank you Sailing Chandlery!
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
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My local chandlery were unable to supply a white inspection hatch and so it was amatter of looking online. Sailing Chandlery had the cover I needed in stock at a good price and delivery. I had never used them before but the service I received was excellent with the delivery on time and the hatch is now fitted.
I will definitely return, especially with the discounts on offer. Thank you Sailing Chandlery!
Always happy with my orders from Sailing Chandlery. They are quick to post and very helpful when I have had a question.
Jason delivered the boat on time at Hayling Island Sailing Club. The boat was new and all the spars were in perfect condition. Jason came to pick up the boat and return the deposit which I gave at the time of the delivery. Every interaction with Andrew and Jason were handled very professionally. I will recommend to any sailor Sailing Chandlery in the future. I really appreciated how easy it was to charter this boat. Thank you very much. Jacques Kerrest
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Product exactly what I wanted
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Had the boom and mast in stock. Order processed quickly, great service and local so could pick them up. Friendly and helpful staff as always. Thank you
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.
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