I use a single Ronstan55 Autoratchet as the forward block on the boom. I leave the auto setting engaged. At the same time I upgraded to FSE Robline Racing Sheet and am very happy with that combination. The Racing sheet is grippy but smooth running.
I usually sail in lighter rather than heavier conditions; by also changing the block at the end of the boom I could increase the overall holding power of the ratchet, but have not found this necessary.
My mainsheet runs from
- a becket on the block at the back of the boom to
- a block on the traveler and then to
- the same block at the end of the boom and then to
- a block at the middle of the boom and down to
- the swivel block on the CB trunk.
Depending on whether you do the double purchase at the end of the boom, your sheet loads may be higher.
I have upgraded the blocks on the jib sheet cars with the same ratchet blocks. My jib sheets have a very slippery cover (not a rope originally designed to be used for that purpose) but the ratchet blocks hold it well.