2/5/2012
What should I consider when sizing a runner block?
You need to match the block's breaking strength, to the breaking strength of the rigging on your boat. If you're not sure of the standing rigging's breaking strength on your boat, check the Typical Rigging Breaking Load chart on the Harken website.
How much does the load change on my footblock as the angle of deflection changes?
As the angle of deflection increases, the load goes up. For example: At 91 kg (200 lb) of load and 45 degrees of deflection, the block will see 76% of the load or about 79.5 kg (175 lb). If you have a 60 degree bend and 92 kg (200 lb) of load, the block will see 100% of the load, or 91 kg (200 lb). ( At 180 degrees of deflection, the block will see 200% of the load or 182 kg (400 lb). Block loading vs. Angle of Deflection.
I would like to clean up the deck of my boat by leading the line from the mast, aft to the cockpit. I want a block that is low profile, has some articulation, but won't hit the deck. What are my options?
Our family of Teardrop blocks fit your criteria. These blocks will not hit the deck when the line is slacked off, are low profile to keep lines close to the deck, and have sufficient articulation to ensure a fair lead.
Selecting the right padeye for the right Teardrop block can be confusing. Below is a chart showing the appropriate padeye-to-block combinations. Note: when selecting a padeye for a Teardrop block, make sure the breaking strengths are the same. Also make sure the block fits in the padeye loop.
What size blocks fit the 598 and the 669 Big Boat stand-up toggles with control tangs?
The brilliant thing about these toggles is you can build almost any type of control system. Although you can fasten the tang pin directly into the headpost, it works better to use the shackle. The control block shackle presses into the rubber stand-up to hold the block up. The chart below will help you choose a block that will work in your system. Note: No block should have a greater working load than the working load of the car. Blocks with 8 mm shackles or greater will not work.
| Stand-Up Toggle / Control Tangs 598 & 669 |
| | Singles | Doubles | Triples | Fiddles | Ratchets | Other |
| 40 mm Carbo | X | X | X | X | | 2659, 2149 |
| 57 mm Carbo | X | X | X | X | X | 2152, 2631 |
| 75 mm Carbo | X | | | | | |
| Dinghy | | 063 | | | | |
| 2.25" | X | X | X | X | X | |
| 3.00" | X | X | X | X | X | |
| 57 mm Black Magic | X | | | | | |
| The tangs will not work with blocks that have a shackle 8 mm or greater |
I have an older Harken Big Boat Black Magic® AirBlock® that has a broken roller bearing. Can I send it to the factory for repair by a qualified Harken technician?
Although it doesn't happen often, sometimes Harken gear components wear and need to be repaired or rebuilt. In this situation, don't panic! Just pick up the phone and call Harken Customer or Technical Service (262-691-3320), and explain your problem. We will issue a "Return Goods Authorization" number and arrange to have the gear returned to us for repair.
