To ensure your safety, your yacht’s performance and to make certain that you get best value for money, Barton Marine guides help to clarify your deck gear choices.
When choosing which mainsheet blocks system that you need for your sailboat, there are a few things to consider.
Let's start with what type of boat you have and the type of sailing you will be doing. Will you be racing requiring constant adjustment, or cruising? Spending your time Inshore, Coastal or longer Offshore passages?
When it comes to how you trim your sails these factors play a big part in choosing a mainsheet system for your boat.
Barton Marine's suggested boat size table is designed to help you correctly identify the right size of product for your application. When picking the correct size of blocks for your mainsheet system, Barton provides some simple rules to consider when choosing a product.
Available Fixtures include Fixed Eye, Snap Shackle, Becket, Swivel, Double Tang, Variloc and Reverse Shackle.
Mainsheet Blocks Boat Size Guide:
Important note: boat sizes
Suggested boat sizes are given as a guide only and assume a monohull with boom end sheeting, loaded vertically to the traveller.
Mid-boom sheeting, severely angled take offs and curved tracks can impose greater loads and suitable allowances should be made for this. If at all unsure of your choice it is important to seek further advice. If you are close to the maximum boat size suggested, Barton would advise upgrading to a Torlon package, long car or the next size up.
Example Mainsheet Hardware setups:
4:1 Mainsheet System
6:1 Mainsheet System
6:1 Mainsheet System with 24:1 Fine Tune
Traveller Systems
Barton Marine has Pre-packaged mainsheet systems with all components required in one complete kit - sliding bolt track, traveller, end fittings, plastic end caps, pilot track and full fitting instructions.
Travellers, end fittings and track are manufactured from high quality marine grade aluminium with Barton Marine's unique grey anodised finish for added protection.
Sliding bolt track allows for a smooth, clean profile and also makes retro-fitting easier as bolts can slide along the extrusion to match existing fastening holes.
• Three sizes - for yachts up to 14m LOA (36ft)
• 2:1 or 4:1 purchase systems
• Recirculating precision ground Delrin ball system.
Guide to choice of size
Size 1 for yachts up to 8.5m (28.5ft)
Size 2 for yachts up to 11.0m (36ft)
Size 3 for yachts up to 14.0m (45ft)
View the of Mainsheet Systems kits
Some tips when selecting and fitting blocks:
• Ensure the block is strong enough for the job required (rope capacity does not denote strength).
• Plain bearing versus ball bearing sheave – ball bearing sheaves do not hold the same load as plain sheaves
• Check line capacity is sufficient. A tight fit will increase friction, and cause wear to the block and line.
• Always ensure a fair lead. Blocks are designed to have the load running directly through the central axis.
• Never load one sheave of a double block.
• When fitting blocks always ensure that there is sufficient articulation.
• When fitting cam cleat blocks, ensure that the cam cleat is set at the correct angle to allow easy release.
Care of blocks and deck fittings
• Regularly rinse blocks and deck fittings with fresh water to remove salt.
• Ensure that sheaves run freely.
• Check all blocks on a regular basis.
• Check shackles for signs of strain or overload.
• Inspect cam cleats for excessive wear.
We hope this helps you choose which systems offer the best setup for your boat.
