Ratchet Blocks

[colinbrown]

Just looking at a ratchet block ( main sheet )for the new canoe. Always used a Harken mini hex. plus cleat before, but ask advice on the new ratchet blocks on the market. The mini Hex. always seems short of holding power and thinking of changing to the larger version. However it is both large and heavy. Advice on alternatives please.

[wee mcp]

Colin, I use a Ronstan Orbit Auto Rachet (the plastic one with the dyneema link) on the boom with a non ratchet block on the seat carriage and no cleat.
Having the ratchet on the boom allows the rope to go 180 degrees round the pulley (rather than the usual 90) for more grip. Using the mini hex this way should give you the same effect.
Before this I'd always used the large Harken Hexaratchet (and no cleat) on the carriage. I'd certainly say that the current setup is kinder to my aged body.

Ian