Which block hanger to use?

Hello, H16 people. I have converted from the classic 5:1 seaway block system to a new 6:1 harken system. Which one of the two "block hangers" on the boom should I use to connect the single upper block?

Is one of the old block hangers (1985) strong enough to hold the new triple block?

Thanks for all of your help.

JAH

I would say the aft block hanger would give you the best leverage for the mainsheet. And it should be more than strong enough to handle the load.

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Marcus
H16
Narragansett Bay, RI

I'd use the hanger closer to the mast:

1. You want to pull your boom away from the mast to flatten the sail. This is much more prevalent on boomless rig cats.

2. You should be able to sheet easier this way and get lower block to block.

3. Pulling your boom closer (using the aft hanger) will put more tension ont he gooseneck and make mast rotation more difficult. Got to have that mast free to tack fast.

Which Hanger to use?

The mast will likely rotate to its fullest with either location, but too far aft may cause additional load against the mast and harder tacking mast-rotation as mentioned above.

Either should be strong enough.

Current location of the single bale (from the bale end where the blocks hang, since it is at a small angle) 26.96 inches from the aft end of the boom extrusion not including the casting.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

On my rig, the aft hanger is directly above the traveller. So the sheet will pull the boom straight down, not towards the mast. The goal is to get those blocks right together when you are sheeted in all the way. If you have to move the hanger to get it in the right spot, go for it.

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Marcus
H16
Narragansett Bay, RI

The goal would also be to force the boom forward. If the hanger is too far forward you don't get the proper compression (of the boom) against the mast to keep the mast rotated.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

On the other hand, I use the hanger closer to the mast. I WAS using the hanger farther from the mast, but that was quite a ways outboard - enough that when sheeting in hard a couple months ago I broke the gooseneck. (The slide came apart) So I'd say take a look at where the hangers are. If the inboard one is forward of the crossbar then I'd use the aft one, but if they're both aft of the crossbar then use the one closest to it.

Does that sound logical to everyone?

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Warm regards,

Jim

Closest.

I use the one closer to the mast. It doesn't load up gooseneck and over rotate the mast. If you use the rear one the lower block also tilts back making the cam cleat harder to cleat without adjustment. I thought of another use for it though. I'm going to use it for my 2:1 outhaul. I have drawing of it here:

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=7101647&imageID=109553552&Mytoken=20050517094017

This should be legal right??

Matt G
Hobie 16 SN#1960
Burbank CA