Hunter 240 Mainsheet Block Upgrade

[nola2172]

Now that we have had our 240 for a few weeks (and been out on it nearly every day it seems), I am looking at things that I might want to upgrade/change on the boat. The first that is coming to mind is the lower mainsheet block. I am pretty sure we have the original mainsheet setup on the boat, which per Hunter is this:
http://schaeferhardware.com//detail.aspx?ID=1251

While the mainsheet block seems to function correctly, there are two problems (in order of importance):
1. Due to the (unadjustable) angle of the cam cleat, you pretty much have to stand up in order to lock the sheet, which gets tricky when you have a decent amount of people on the boat.
2. When sailing in gusty conditions, which are common on Muskegon Lake where we mostly hang out, my wife does not like to heel, which means I sometimes have to hold the mainsheet in my hand so that I can let it out quickly to keep her happy. This is a lot of work, which I would like to avoid.

In looking around, it looks like there are ratcheting mainsheet blocks (solves #2 I think) that have an adjustable cleat (solves #1 by letting me lower the angle). Does anyone have any recommendations on what I should get? Also, what load rating do I need to have? I found this available from Harken (on super sale right now as well it appears):
http://www.harken.com/productdetail.aspx?id=14335&taxid=428

However, I am not sure if that will work, or if I need to get the stronger one that goes for more like $300. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Also, I don't think the cam cleat angle is adjustable on my current setup, but if anyone has thoughts on how to adjust it, that would be a lot cheaper than buying something else.

 

[caverun]

On my 240 the same Schaefer mainsheet block with cam cleat broke earlier this season- the bottom snap shackle was caught on the u-bolt and pulled the wrong way on a jibe, and broke off. I thought about buying a different block, but in the end sent it back to Schaefer for repair. One thing to keep in mind if you decide to replace: the mainsheet tackle is also used for the mast raising system. The snap shackles are nice to have for quickly setting up that system. Not sure if mast raising puts any more stress on the block than sailing, but something to consider since the Schaefer working load is rated much higher than the Harken.

 

[jblersch]

The snap shackle on my block/cam cleat also broke off about 3 weeks ago (was original to my 2001 240). I talked with the guys at Hunter Parts about replacements - they recommended a few different brands to consider and the Schaefer was the most expensive. But, in the end, I ordered the Schaefer because of the working load (I was concerned about mast raising like caverun noted) and because it was in stock and I could get it quick (didn't want to be off the water too long). One nice feature of the new Schaefer that I didn't expect is that the angle of the cam cleat is indeed adjustable, something which the old one didn't do. It does make handling the main sheet a little easier.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

For what it is worth. Max heel on this boat should be no more than 12-14 degree heel by use of reducing sail area and/or letting sails out. As for releasing the mainsheet, crack it like a whip which released all the time from me. Try it.

crazy dave condon

 

[nola2172]

Thank you to everyone for your feedback so far. I am in communication with the folks at Schaefer to see if they can do anything about lowering the angle of the cleat. I should also note that releasing the mainsheet is not the problem - it is getting in the cleat that is hard because I need a high angle, so after I let it out for a little bit while a gust blows by, it is hard to get back in unless I get a high angle on it (i.e. stand up near it).

 

[Rick Webb]

You Could Try This

I pull it then put my foot on top of the line to change the angle so that it will cleat