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 Catalina 25 Specific Forum
 Mainsheet Blocks		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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jotruelove
Deckhand

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USA
22 Posts
Initially Posted - 04/30/2006 :  07:40:28  Show Profile
Hello everyone!

I have a new-to-me 1985 Catalina 25 that I love.

I was noting, however, that the triple blocks on my Hobie 16 were large and robust compared to the single blocks on my Cat25. Not only that, as they are both swivel blocks, the sheets are always crossing! My beautiful new sheets are rubbing on each other!

So my question: When replacing the mainsheet fiddle block and the mainsheet single block on the boom, what have you found to give you the most bang for the buck? Should I stay with a single and go with a loop rather than the swivel shackle?

As always, thanks to everyone for sharing your wisdom and comments. It was because of the great folks like you here in the forums that I joined the association!

Fair winds my friends!
Fair Winds...



James Truelove
Pearl
1985 Catalina 25
Sunny Florida Panhandle
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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts
Response Posted - 04/30/2006 :  12:12:47  Show Profile  Visit Leon Sisson's Homepage
Before I offer my recommendations, let me say a few words about "<i>...the most bang for the buck...</i>" We sail for enjoyment, right? And I enjoy sailing more when the boat is easier to operate. And when it comes to operating the boat, the two controls which get the most frequent use are the tiller/rudder, and the mainsheet, right? So the smoother those work, and the easier they are to use, the more pleasant to boat is for me to sail.

The preceding paragraph was to prepare you for the price tags on my suggestions. When I replaced the original equipment mainsheet tackle on my 1979 C-25, I upgraded to Harken #054 & #060 (and a ballbearing traveler car). The two Harkens might add up to around $165 (not including new line, which it sounds like you already have). If you shop around, you can likely find them for slightly less. Try Defender, for instance. For sheets, I use a reasonably good quality 3/8" polyester double braid from Sampson or New England Ropes.

If you are sure a 3:1 mainsheet tackle is all the advantage you'll ever need, you could save around $6 by going with Harken #002 in place of the #053 or #054. (Someone is going to point out the becket on the #054 isn't required, even at 4:1. I tend to go for the optional becket when ordering blocks, to provide versatility if the block is later used in some other application.) The components I chose offer the option of quickly and easily switching between 3:1 and 4:1 depending on conditions (and the upper body strength of the person at the helm). These blocks come with a setscrew in the swivel to prevent them from twisting.

As you probably realize, the twisting comes from the way the mainsheet is handled. There seems to be a natural tendancy to induce a slight twist in the line while sheeting in, but not so much while easing. The result is accumulated twist in the line, which makes the whole tackle try to twist around itself. Including a swivel where the end of the sheet is attached to the becket might help correct for this.

-- Leon Sisson
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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts
Response Posted - 04/30/2006 :  19:11:58  Show Profile
I replaced my mainsheet blocks years ago because I wanted to go with a slightly larger line at a 4:1 purchase. I purchased a new Schaefer fiddle block with adjustable cam, becket, and swivel lock and a new Harken fiddle from eBay. If memory serves me, I paid $52.00 for the Schaefer block, which retailed for around $115.00. The Harken fiddle ran me around $30.00. Both were new, never used.

My old mainsheet tackle now serves as my boom vang.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.