Mainsheet ratchet block swivel
I too found the original supply Harken spring too strong.
On mmy 1st Aero, purchased 2014 before class rules were written, I replaced it with a soft attach ratchet block.
This if found excellent.
Then the rules on replacing blocks with like for like and attaching by the same method came in.
So on my 2022 vintage 2nd boat I've replaced the harken spring with an Allen soft spring, part # A4033.
Allen also make a spring cap. I found this needed a little sanding on the flat block face for the shackle to connevt the Harken Ratchet Block and for it to swivel easily.
Nearly as good as the soft attach, and should pass a major event measuring chack.
Reply 18/08/2025 20:16:00
Jonathan Rickels
Posts: 120
Just an update and close-out on this question of mine. I found a spring in one of my junk boxes which is very similar to the standard one but wire size probably half the diameter. ie. a much softer spring. It adequately holds up the ratchet block but lets it rotate much, much more easily, even under pressure. All good now. Don't know why RS use such an unnecessarily strong spring normally.
Reply 18/08/2025 15:09:00
Bruce
Posts: 8
I took mine off, tied half of it in compression with thin wire, then heated that part over a gas flame and let it cool,which removed the springiness. Then refitted it. Quite happy with the result.
I figured I could always fit a replacement if I mucked it up.
As always, take proper personal safety precautions, done at own risk etc. Use long pliers/tongs/leather gloves to hold hot parts etc.
You'll probably find a couple of zip ties best way to initially compress the spring but then cut the ties off once you have tied the wire in place, before heating.
Cheers, Ron
Reply 25/07/2025 00:13:00
RonF 'Delphine'
Posts: 47
I have the standard supplied mainsheet ratchet block with simple swivel and spring to prop it up, but find the friction of the arrangement doesn't really easily allow the block to swivel properly when in use. The result is a bit of a sideways exit of the mainsheet from the cheeks of the block and a lot of friction. Is there a simple change from the spring which seems to be the culprit? I'm considering a Harken rubber boot instead or just removing the spring. Any better fixes anyone? Bruce.
Reply 24/07/2025 07:21:00
Bruce
Posts: 8
