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December 29, 2024 2 min read

HOW TO BUILD A LASER 6 TO 1 DOWNHAUL

The Laser 6:1 downhaul is a popular upgrade to allow you as the sailor to have more control over your sail.

In this article, we walk you through what you'll need and how to make a Laser 6:1 downhaul system step by step.

Items You Will Need



You can also buy the full Laser 6:1 Downhaul Kit on our website.

Some ropes will need to be cut to your correct length once the system is made. This system is tied together with knots, however we would always recommend when working with dyneema lines to splice them as this is stronger than knots.

Step 1

Take the Grey Dyneema line and tie this onto the top of the 29mm block with a bowline.


(The larger block. This needs to be threaded through the head of the block then through the centre and back out the top.) 


Take the Secondary Control Line (coloured) and tie this onto the bottom of the block with a bowline.


Make sure the orientation is the same as the photo to the right.


Number 1 Dyneema Bowline


Number 2 Downhaul Eye On Sail

LASER 6 TO 1 DOWNHAUL

Step 2

Take the opposite end of the Grey Dyneema line and tie this onto the top pin located on the kicker unit.


(Please note this line will need to be trimmed.) The Length depends on the size rig you have eye the sail is in different places.


Make sure the orientation is the same as the photo to the right.


Number 1 The Pin on the top of the kicker unit


Number 2 Dyneema Bowline

LASER 6 TO 1 DOWNHAUL

Step 3

Take the 3mm 1m lower block tie and the 18mm block.


Tie a bowline around the Lower mast under the kicker fitting. Then tie another bowline to the block approximately 1 inch away from the bowline

(Please note this line will need to be trimmed.)


Make sure the orientation is the same as the photo to the right.


Number 1 Bowline Around Lower Mast


Number 2 Lower Block

LASER 6 TO 1 DOWNHAUL

Step 4

Take the Secondary Control Line down through the Lower block then up through the Top then Back down to the deck block and back to the deck cleat.


Tie either a rope handle or bowline to make gripping the control line whilst sailing easier 


Make sure the orientation is the same as the photo to the right.


Number 1 Start of the Secondary Line Down to the Lower Block


Number 2 Top Block


Number 3 Primary Line Tieon the Top of the Vang Unit


Number 4 The deck block before going back to deck cleats 



LASER 6 TO 1 DOWNHAUL

Questions?

If you have any questions on the Laser 6 to 1 downhaul system please get in touch with our team who are always happy to help.