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February 15, 2022 2 min read
The Laser has had many different configurations during its life, in recent years alongside the 8 to 1 downhaul system we have also seen more people switching out their 57mm ratchet block for a 40mm ratchet block.
The main reason is the thickness of the main sheet. Most Lasers have had in the past 8mm main sheets. The 8mm rope sat inside the sheave of a 57mm block and gives more friction therefore more grip. But in recent years around the boat park, you may have seen people using 6mm main sheet rope.
6mm lines like Kingfisher Evolution Sheet and Marlow Marstron are lighter and smaller creating less friction through your blocks, making your sailing easier. Therefore having more control over the main sheet in lighter winds and the sheet going out easier and quicker when gybing and starting the downwind leg.
The 57mm block is designed to work with lines up to 10mm and by having a 6mm line running through the block it will work fine but the block is not working at its peak performance.
The 40mm can also take up to 10mm rope but being narrower and shallower the sheave works very effectively with 6mm and 7mm ropes.
Another big advantage to having the 40mm ratchet block is, on a winder day when you have all your control lines pulled hard on and excess rope in the boats cockpit you are less likely to have your controls getting caught and tangled in the larger opening of the 57mm block.
Here are the links to the two blocks for you to compare. Which do you use?
Harken 2608 40mm Ratchet Block With Swivel
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Very good sunglasses, I’ve just had eye surgery and was struggling with peripheral light sensitivity, these are great for that and will be terrific next season sailing.
Great to see these available again, much better quality and sensitivity than the alternatives
We have just purchased the Mersea twin Laser box trailer. Ordering the trailer, and adding the lid afterwards, was easy and straightforward with accurate lead times for its delivery. We paid for delivery to the South Coast and the trailer arrived bang on time along with other items we ordered. Fantastic customer service all round!
The trailer had its first trip this weekend, a 3hr drive on a mixture of town, country and motorway roads and it was a dream to tow - no noise save the odd rattle across potholes, easy to see in the car mirrors and very easy to connect and pull. It's also easy to manoeuvre two by just two people.
Our junior sailor was delighted by capacious box section with two access points and he was able to stow all of his kit to travel and then all covers, bags and kit whilst on the water today.
We're very pleased with the trailer - thank you Sailing Chandlery!
Good quality splicing tool, sensible price and swiftly delivered. Thank you
The mast was delivered the next day what a excellent delivery service I had the mast by 0830 I now know I can count on you, well done.
The 100m reel of 4mm pre-stretched polyester rope I ordered for our Club's fleet of training dinghies is very good quality and really competitively priced. It arrived quickly so we could re-rig control-lines before the week's training course finished.
Quick to order and fast delivery, thank you. Good to have the wheel washers and retaining clips included in the package.
Cannot fault the service received. Queries responded to very quickly, thank you Jason. Very fast, efficient despatch and delivery. My son is very happy with the Aqua fleece.
Wouldn't hesitate to use again.
Great service from Sailing Chandlery - ordered late Thursday evening and my order was dispatched on the Friday, delivered on the Monday (standard delivery option).
The Salopettes seem well made, good fit (per sizing guide) and comfortable. Also very lightweight - time will tell if that equates to less durable as they are definitely far thinner material than others I've had from different manufacturers in the past. I've only tried them on at home so far, so not tested them in the wet but I'm pretty confident they should do the job.
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Got a set for my son who's 6' 3" and 92KG and L was way too small. Spoke to someone on the phone who was very helpful on sizing. Actually, went for a XXL in the end and he is happy with that fit so I would say these come up a bit small compared to other manufacturers although I guess you want a tight a fit as possible with hikers.
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