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The 16mm block from Harken is the smallest in the range but is extremely popular and will be seen on a variety of boat sizes.
The Harken 16mm block comes in various designs and with the outer plates made from high strength stainless steel these small blocks are up to most jobs with a break load of up to 544kgs.
Explore other Harken block and pulley sizes on our Harken blocks page.
Some frequently asked questions that other customers have asked us about Harken 16mm Blocks.
What are Harken 16mm blocks and what makes them special?
Harken 16mm blocks are the smallest in the Harken range, but don't let the size fool you. The 16mm refers to the sheave diameter, and despite being incredibly compact, these blocks use the same patented ball-bearing system found throughout the Harken range. Stainless steel balls run in a captive grooved race, keeping friction to an absolute minimum. The standard version has a working load of 113kg and the high-load version steps up to 226kg, all from a block that can weigh as little as 10 grams. That combination of tiny size, low weight, and real strength is exactly why they've become a staple on performance dinghies of all kinds.
What are Harken 16mm blocks used for on a sailing dinghy?
These are the go-to pulley blocks for the light, frequently adjusted control lines found on most modern sailing dinghies, think cunninghams, outhauls, downhauls, and traveller controls being the most common applications. On the Laser and ILCA, Harken 16mm blocks are used as standard in the outhaul systems, and you'll also find them on spinnaker pole trip lines, junior dinghy halyards, and leach line controls on larger yachts. If the lines you're working with are 5mm or under in diameter, Harken 16mm blocks are almost certainly the right starting point for your pulley block system.
What rope size works with Harken 16mm blocks?
The maximum rope diameter that runs comfortably through a Harken 16mm block is 5mm, making them a great match for the slim Dyneema and polyester control lines which are now standard on most performance sailing dinghies. It's worth knowing that fitting a rope that's too thick doesn't give you extra grip; it actually causes the rope to bind against the sheave rather than roll freely over it, making the whole system harder to use. If your lines are thicker than 5mm, step up to a Harken 18mm or 29mm block instead. The team at Sailing Chandlery are always on hand to answer any questions if you're not sure.
What different types of Harken 16mm block are available?
There's more variety in the Harken 16mm range than most people expect. You can choose from single, double and triple sheave versions depending on how much purchase your system needs, while the forkhead version attaches directly to a deck fitting — as used on the ILCA for the cunningham and outhaul systems.
