Pokey uh da LBC 78 Posted December 27, 2021 Share Posted December 27, 2021 Need new spin sheet turning blocks for my 30 foot rc boat. Harken has two versions in the size I'm looking at: 57mm Ratchamatic and the 57mm Ratchet Block. Any opinions on which block would work better? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mgs 211 Posted December 27, 2021 Share Posted December 27, 2021 The ratchamatic has an adjustment screw so you can change when the ratchet engages. But I like the easy ability to just turn it off if it’s not needed. price and personal preference I guess 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Will1073 102 Posted December 27, 2021 Share Posted December 27, 2021 Ratchamatic are preferable as they with no load will run freely (smoother douses) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
notallthere 54 Posted December 28, 2021 Share Posted December 28, 2021 At 30', I like auto rachets in the back turning blocks and manual ones in the front near the trimmer. For sure there is a time and place for both and a lot is preference Quote Link to post Share on other sites
European Bloke 861 Posted December 28, 2021 Share Posted December 28, 2021 My experience is that autos are really nice while they're working, but fail much sooner. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gkny 26 Posted December 28, 2021 Share Posted December 28, 2021 I have used both and like manual ratchets that you can turn off. The problem with the auto ratchet is that they will engage if there is much pressure on the tail of the sheet. At 8 or 10 to 1 this means that a minor butt cleat or a line draped over something that causes a minor snag is pretty hard to dislodge from the front of the boat. Anything that slows the guy makes for slower take downs. We used to turn off the ratchet going into a downwind mark. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Irrational 14 416 Posted December 28, 2021 Share Posted December 28, 2021 8 hours ago, European Bloke said: My experience is that autos are really nice while they're working, but fail much sooner. Same here. All of my Autos have failed. Tired of buying replacements. Go Manual. I put the 75's on my 32 and they seem about right for the big Aso's. You may be able to get by with the 57's for Symmetrical. With the larger block, the sheets ease quicker. They still grab a 5/16 sheet too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pokey uh da LBC 78 Posted December 28, 2021 Author Share Posted December 28, 2021 Thanks guys. Think I'll get the manual versions. And maybe even go up a size with the money I save. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Will1073 102 Posted December 28, 2021 Share Posted December 28, 2021 If I can add, I have had only one ratchamatic (2 year old) fail on my boat (24', under rigged) and Harken mailed me a replacement with almost no questions asked. Reason it failed? Crew ran spring line through it to a cam (doh) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Allen_Sailing 26 Posted January 18 Share Posted January 18 On 12/27/2021 at 11:07 PM, Pokey uh da LBC said: Any opinions on which block would work better? If you want to find out more about the difference between Switchable and AutoRatchet's then take a look at our handy guide - https://www.allenbrothers.co.uk/2021/12/02/ratchet-blocks-switchable-vs-autoratchet/ 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jubblies 80 Posted January 18 Share Posted January 18 57mm ratchet or ratchamatic for a spinnaker on a 30 footer is pretty borderline. With that being said, look at the specs of the two blocks. The ratchamatic has a smaller working load. On my boat an S2 9.1 we run the heavy air/reaching sheets on a 75mm ratchet. The light air/all purpose sheets run on 57mm ratchamatics. If your "pole on the forestay reaching" or reaching with a big A3, you'll blow the 57s up! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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