- Longer mast stub with halyard block and vang padeye - resized.jpg (186.88 KiB) Viewed 4303 times
I got a PM asking me about the Harken 140 swivel blocks/cleats that I use for halyard attachment (photo above). I'm not sure you can get them anymore. Intensity Sails now sells a carbo equivalent:
http://www.intensitysails.com/ha396capileb.htmlI use one of those as a downhaul cleat.
I'm really happy with the 140s. They're easy to use when hoisting, and it's especially easy to lower the main in a controlled way, because it's easy to re-cleat with the sail partway down, so you can flake it in a leisurely manner. Less stress while looking competent - what's not to like?
I've actually got four of them at this point, one each for the main and jib halyards, one for the UPS halyard (yet to be installed - I've been making do with a horn cleat), and a smaller one for the topping lift. I haven't noticed that the jib sheets catch on them (although I'm not absolutely certain of that), or that the halyards chafe on the mast hinge (I am certain of that).
Mine are mounted below the hinge, but you could mount them above it as well, especially if your stub doesn't protrude far enough above the cuddy to leave mounting space.
I used the original horn cleats a few times before installing the 140s. In the hands of a novice, anyway, the 140s are a big improvement.