Hobie Cat Forums

Was looking to update my single block setup with a triple. Naturally i'm looking for the best deal and came across an upper and lower triple block from a company called Nautos. Their lower block (part #92733) sells for around $90, and their upper (part # 92230) goes for about $50. Much less then a Harken setup and both blocks are 57mm. Of course the ol' "you get what you pay for" line runs through head so I was wondering if any of you have experience with, or an opinion on this company and their products since they seem to be a lot less expensive then Harken.

I came to this forum with the same question about Nautos blocks. I saw your post and was disappointed to see no replies. Anyway, I found a Nautos distributor in St. Pete that gave me little more info. Though I'm not ready to buy blocks yet he gave me a little better insight into Nautos. A phone call may help you decide.

There are a few dealers listed on the 'Dealers' tab on this site.
http://www.nautos-usa.com/

I have very limited experience with Nautos blocks. I've only owned very small ones (18 mm) used for control lines (like the jib tack tension on a Tiger). They are very similar to the Holt-Allen (British) blocks and I've seen references to Holt-Nautos on the Internet. Not really sure what the connection is.

However, 57 mm is too large for the upper block. Stock size is 40 mm. (Harken 2643).

I will say that Harken blocks are made in the USA; Nautos blocks are made in Brazil. Harken will replace a broken or malfunctioning block, no questions asked (other than trying to figure out why it broke so they can make their products better).

Thanks for the heads up on Nautos. I just bought a 57mm Nautos 6:1 ratchet setup over the weekend. The ratchet base and triple boom block cost me $129 including shipping. They come with a 5-year warranty. I love Harken products but a similar setup from Murrays would have cost me three times what I paid for these blocks. Time will tell if I made a wise investment.

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Irie, mon....
'82 Hobie 18 SE with '85 Nationals Prism (White) sails
'73 Laser HID# 3463

I a very interested in what you think of them after you see them and use them a little.

I am a big fan of 'Buy American', but really don't want to drop $350 on blocks. I would find a used set first.

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Steve
1979 Hobie 16 "Orange Crusher"

I had a Harken 2655 break on me last night. It is the upper block in the Aussie halyard setup.

I called Harken this morning and they informed me there was a only a 5 year warranty.. But only asked that I send them the block with a description of how it was being used, and a replacement would be sent.

The Harken 2655 (40 mm Carbo fiddle) is an marginal choice for the Aussie halyard system on a 16. It only has a 485 lb working load and a 1620 lb breaking strength.

A better choice is the Harken 100 (double bullet block for wire). It has a working load of 750 lbs. Pair it with the Harken 099 (single bullet w/becket for wire). Both of those have a 2000 lb breaking strength.

Besides having a replacement on the way... I am pretty sure I just ordered what you are suggesting. Jim Sohn is setting me up.

so given that my experience seems to reinforce what you are saying.. maybe this needs updated...

http://www.harken.com/OneDesign/hobie16.php



Sorry about the thread highjacking.. just wanted to put in my 2cents about Harken's service...

Update: The $129 Nautos blocks I ordered on Saturday were shipped from Ft. Lauderdale at 9AM on Monday and arrived at my house this afternoon via Priority mail. So far so good. A pleasant surprise - they came with nice SS shackles. I didn't expect that. They basically look like knock-offs of the "other" brand.

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Irie, mon....
'82 Hobie 18 SE with '85 Nationals Prism (White) sails
'73 Laser HID# 3463