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Good morning.
I have a sunfish that only has a hook. I want to upgrade it. I see Harken has a ratchamatic. Has anyone used this model.
I tried to call a couple of places yesterday (Including Sunfish Direct) to get prices and info but no one answers.
If any one has suggestions on ratchetblocks, other parts, or where to purchase, etc. It would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Dennis Ritchie
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Dennis, I'm watching this thread. I just removed a ratchamatic from my newish Sunfish because I could not figure out how to use it. Now I see they are quite spendy so it must be something I need to learn about. Thanks for bringing this up.
Tom
On Friday, August 21, 2020, 09:04:29 AM CDT, dennis ritchie <dintervu@...> wrote:
Good morning.
I have a sunfish that only has a hook.? I want to upgrade it.? I see Harken has a ratchamatic.? Has anyone used this model.
I tried to call a couple of places yesterday (Including Sunfish Direct) to get prices and info but no one? answers.
If any one has suggestions on ratchetblocks, other parts, or where to purchase, etc.? It would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Dennis Ritchie
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Hi Dennis,
Last summer, I installed a Harken 57mm ratchet block, and use a boot spring to keep the block upright.
The block has a switch exposed on both sides to bypass the ratchet mechanism.
I’d considered the ratchamatic model, but figured I’d always be close enough to the block to switch it off in light wind, and therefore wasn’t worth the higher price point.
Very happy with my setup so far!
Hope this helps,
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On Aug 21, 2020, at 10:28 AM, dennis ritchie < dintervu@...> wrote:
Good morning.
I have a sunfish that only has a hook. ?I want to upgrade it. ??I see Harken has a ratchamatic. ?Has anyone used this model.
I tried to call a couple of places yesterday (Including Sunfish Direct) to get prices and info but no one ?answers.
If any one has suggestions on ratchetblocks, other parts, or where to purchase, etc. ?It would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Dennis Ritchie
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Dennis,
I installed a Harken 2135 57mm Manual Ratchet Carbo Block, Harken Stand up Spring for Dinghy Main Sheet Blocks, and Harken Harken Spring Cup.
This is 3 items from Intensity Sales. It cost me $68.47 on 6/3/20. I am happy with it. You can turn on or off the ratched. I've never turned it off.
Lane
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------ Original Message ------ From: "dennis ritchie" <dintervu@...> To: "Sunfish" < [email protected]> Sent: 8/21/2020 8:28:06 AM Subject: [SunfishSailor] Ratchet block Good morning. I have a sunfish that only has a hook. I want to upgrade it. I see Harken has a ratchamatic. Has anyone used this model. I tried to call a couple of places yesterday (Including Sunfish Direct) to get prices and info but no one answers. If any one has suggestions on ratchetblocks, other parts, or where to purchase, etc. It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Dennis Ritchie
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Hi Dennis,
I've been using Harken ratchets on Sunfish and Lasers for decades.
Definitely an option that you can't miss with.
They have a new model out that is supposed to grip a little better that has
a metal shiv. I have an extra that I was just about to return to the Dinghy
Shop (new, unused in the original packaging). If you have any problem
securing one please let me know and I can ship it to you instead.
Cheers,
Mark
Mark A. Kastel
Kastel@...
608-625-2042
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-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of dennis ritchie Sent: Friday, August 21, 2020 8:28 AM To: Sunfish < [email protected]> Subject: [SunfishSailor] Ratchet block Good morning. I have a sunfish that only has a hook. I want to upgrade it. I see Harken has a ratchamatic. Has anyone used this model. I tried to call a couple of places yesterday (Including Sunfish Direct) to get prices and info but no one answers. If any one has suggestions on ratchetblocks, other parts, or where to purchase, etc. It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Dennis Ritchie
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Last I checked Melges was offering free shipping on all Harken hardware. They also had good prices.?
Rick
On Fri, Aug 21, 2020 at 9:04 AM dennis ritchie < dintervu@...> wrote: Good morning.
I have a sunfish that only has a hook.? I want to upgrade it.? ?I see Harken has a ratchamatic.? Has anyone used this model.
I tried to call a couple of places yesterday (Including Sunfish Direct) to get prices and info but no one? answers.?
If any one has suggestions on ratchetblocks, other parts, or where to purchase, etc.? It would be greatly appreciated.?
Thanks.
Dennis Ritchie
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Ballpark $75.00.
Patterson Marine
Pentwater Michigan
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On Aug 21, 2020, at 10:27 AM, Lane <stumpbuster@...> wrote:
?Dennis,
I installed a Harken 2135 57mm Manual Ratchet Carbo Block, Harken Stand up Spring for Dinghy Main Sheet Blocks, and Harken Harken Spring Cup.
This is 3 items from Intensity Sales. It cost me $68.47 on 6/3/20. I am happy with it. You can turn on or off the ratched. I've never turned it off.
Lane
------ Original Message ------
From: "dennis ritchie" <dintervu@...>
To: "Sunfish" <[email protected]>
Sent: 8/21/2020 8:28:06 AM
Subject: [SunfishSailor] Ratchet block
Good morning.
I have a sunfish that only has a hook. I want to upgrade it. I see Harken has a ratchamatic. Has anyone used this model.
I tried to call a couple of places yesterday (Including Sunfish Direct) to get prices and info but no one answers.
If any one has suggestions on ratchetblocks, other parts, or where to purchase, etc. It would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Dennis Ritchie
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Thanks everyone. I looked at Melges. Nice site. Will call and order on Monday.
Maybe I missed it but looks like minimal installations of ratchamatics.
Thanks for your input.
Dennis Ritchie
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On Aug 21, 2020, at 10:34 AM, Rick Keffer <lckeffer@...> wrote:
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Here is a follow up to my original question.
I ended up purchasing a Harken ratchamatic block with stand up spring from Melges. Installed it on Saturday. It works great. So much better than just the hook. The block help holds and then as soon as tension is released it freewheels. Best $100 spent so far.
Guess I have one more question. My tiller is wood and original to the 1986 SF. Does anyone recommend upgrading the extension to one that pivots in all directions vs just in one plane?
Thanks
Dennis Ritchie
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On Aug 21, 2020, at 10:34 AM, Doug Nelson <nelsondoug53@...> wrote:
?Ballpark $75.00.
Patterson Marine
Pentwater Michigan
On Aug 21, 2020, at 10:27 AM, Lane <stumpbuster@...> wrote:
?Dennis,
I installed a Harken 2135 57mm Manual Ratchet Carbo Block, Harken Stand up Spring for Dinghy Main Sheet Blocks, and Harken Harken Spring Cup.
This is 3 items from Intensity Sales. It cost me $68.47 on 6/3/20. I am happy with it. You can turn on or off the ratched. I've never turned it off.
Lane
------ Original Message ------
From: "dennis ritchie" <dintervu@...>
To: "Sunfish" <[email protected]>
Sent: 8/21/2020 8:28:06 AM
Subject: [SunfishSailor] Ratchet block
Good morning.
I have a sunfish that only has a hook. I want to upgrade it. I see Harken has a ratchamatic. Has anyone used this model.
I tried to call a couple of places yesterday (Including Sunfish Direct) to get prices and info but no one answers.
If any one has suggestions on ratchetblocks, other parts, or where to purchase, etc. It would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Dennis Ritchie
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Get the universal joint so the tiller extension can be held at many different angles. With the one plane it’s harder and more uncomfortable to sail.
Lee Montes.
NY state Sunfish Class Rep.
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On Aug 31, 2020, at 8:53 AM, dennis ritchie <dintervu@...> wrote:
?Here is a follow up to my original question.
I ended up purchasing a Harken ratchamatic block with stand up spring from Melges. Installed it on Saturday. It works great. So much better than just the hook. The block help holds and then as soon as tension is released it freewheels. Best $100 spent so far.
Guess I have one more question. My tiller is wood and original to the 1986 SF. Does anyone recommend upgrading the extension to one that pivots in all directions vs just in one plane?
Thanks
Dennis Ritchie
On Aug 21, 2020, at 10:34 AM, Doug Nelson <nelsondoug53@...> wrote:
?Ballpark $75.00.
Patterson Marine
Pentwater Michigan
On Aug 21, 2020, at 10:27 AM, Lane <stumpbuster@...> wrote: ?Dennis,
I installed a Harken 2135 57mm Manual Ratchet Carbo Block, Harken Stand up Spring for Dinghy Main Sheet Blocks, and Harken Harken Spring Cup.
This is 3 items from Intensity Sales. It cost me $68.47 on 6/3/20. I am happy with it. You can turn on or off the ratched. I've never turned it off.
Lane
------ Original Message ------
From: "dennis ritchie" <dintervu@...>
To: "Sunfish" <[email protected]>
Sent: 8/21/2020 8:28:06 AM
Subject: [SunfishSailor] Ratchet block
Good morning.
I have a sunfish that only has a hook. I want to upgrade it. I see Harken has a ratchamatic. Has anyone used this model.
I tried to call a couple of places yesterday (Including Sunfish Direct) to get prices and info but no one answers.
If any one has suggestions on ratchetblocks, other parts, or where to purchase, etc. It would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Dennis Ritchie
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Definitely. Length becomes the decision. 48” is used for racing, shorter for recreation sailing. I have carbon fiber extensions at 39” and aluminum ones at 36”. I can ship as well. These are ready to install with golf style grips.
On Monday, August 31, 2020, 9:38 AM, Lee via groups.io <leejmontes@...> wrote: Get the universal joint so the tiller extension can be held at many different angles.? With the one plane it’s harder and more uncomfortable to sail. Lee Montes. NY state Sunfish Class Rep. > On Aug 31, 2020, at 8:53 AM, dennis ritchie < dintervu@...> wrote: > > ?Here is a follow up to my original question.? > > I ended up purchasing a Harken ratchamatic block with stand up spring? from Melges.? Installed it on Saturday.? It works great.? So much better than just the hook.? The block help holds and then as soon as tension is released it freewheels.? ? Best $100 spent so far. > > Guess I have one more question.? My tiller is wood and original to the 1986 SF.? Does anyone recommend upgrading the extension to one that pivots in all directions vs just in one plane? > > Thanks > > Dennis Ritchie > > > >> On Aug 21, 2020, at 10:34 AM, Doug Nelson < nelsondoug53@...> wrote: >> >> ?Ballpark $75.00. >> >> Patterson Marine >> Pentwater Michigan >>>> On Aug 21, 2020, at 10:27 AM, Lane < stumpbuster@...> wrote: >>> >>> ?Dennis, >>> >>> I installed a Harken 2135 57mm Manual Ratchet Carbo Block, Harken Stand up Spring for Dinghy Main Sheet Blocks, and Harken Harken Spring Cup. >>> This is 3 items from Intensity Sales.? It cost me $68.47 on 6/3/20.? I am happy with it.? You can turn on or off the ratched.? I've never turned it off. >>> >>> Lane >>> >>> ------ Original Message ------ >>> From: "dennis ritchie" < dintervu@...> >>> To: "Sunfish" < [email protected]> >>> Sent: 8/21/2020 8:28:06 AM >>> Subject: [SunfishSailor] Ratchet block >>> >>> Good morning. >>> I have a sunfish that only has a hook.? I want to upgrade it.? I see Harken has a ratchamatic.? Has anyone used this model. >>> >>> I tried to call a couple of places yesterday (Including Sunfish Direct) to get prices and info but no one? answers. >>> >>> If any one has suggestions on ratchetblocks, other parts, or where to purchase, etc.? It would be greatly appreciated. >>> >>> Thanks. >>> >>> Dennis Ritchie >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> > > > >
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Harken Distributor:
Patterson Marine Pentwater, Michigan? 49449 231-869-6411
On Fri, Aug 21, 2020 at 10:04 AM dennis ritchie < dintervu@...> wrote: Good morning.
I have a sunfish that only has a hook.? I want to upgrade it.? ?I see Harken has a ratchamatic.? Has anyone used this model.
I tried to call a couple of places yesterday (Including Sunfish Direct) to get prices and info but no one? answers.?
If any one has suggestions on ratchetblocks, other parts, or where to purchase, etc.? It would be greatly appreciated.?
Thanks.
Dennis Ritchie
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When I built my Sunfish clone I had to build my own tiller and extension, rudder etc and this is what I went with: Racelite Tiller Extension Swivel I have been using it for 2 years now and it works well and pivots in all directions. Here is a photo of it installed: 
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I installed a cam cleat as opposed to a ratchetamatic and it works just as good.? Got a ratchetamatic on my other boat.? A cam cleat is a lot. West Marine has them and a big price too.
?
Mr Mike
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Sent from for Windows 10
?
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From: Doug Nelson
Sent: Monday, August 31, 2020 10:01 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [SunfishSailor] Ratchet block
?
Harken Distributor:
Pentwater, Michigan? 49449
?
On Fri, Aug 21, 2020 at 10:04 AM dennis ritchie <dintervu@...> wrote:
Good morning.
I have a sunfish that only has a hook.? I want to upgrade it.? ?I see Harken has a ratchamatic.? Has anyone used this model.
I tried to call a couple of places yesterday (Including Sunfish Direct) to get prices and info but no one? answers.?
If any one has suggestions on ratchetblocks, other parts, or where to purchase, etc.? It would be greatly appreciated.?
Thanks.
Dennis Ritchie
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Hi Ralph. I'd like to hear more about your Sunfish clone. Have you told the story online somewhere? I'd enjoy reading all about it. I have a waterlogged old fish and that's an option I've been considering instead of repair.
Tom
On Monday, August 31, 2020, 09:03:49 AM CDT, Ralph Walker <ralphhwalker@...> wrote:
When I built my Sunfish clone I had to build my own tiller and extension, rudder etc and this is what I went with: Racelite Tiller Extension Swivel I have been using it for 2 years now and it works well and pivots in all directions. Here is a photo of it installed: 
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Tom, I have chronicled the build on a forum hosted by the company that provides the plans for the "Moonfish". All the details can be found here:
It was such a fun build.
I had looked at many 2nd hand Sunfish (all older than I am!!), but none of them were that great and required lots of work, so I searched and found a few clone plans and decided on the Moonfish. Luckily I found a Super Sailfish mast/sail etc for $100 which helped.
If there is interest I could start a separate thread about the build.
Ralph
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I like the Racelite over the rubber ones because the stick will always fall to the deck if you lose it during a tack or whatever. With the rubber one it's usually pointing at some random angle in the air. I also think it has a better "feel" for some reason. I raced with the standard stick with a sail ring attached to the end. I liked it that it was always down on the deck and could move without getting into the traveller.?
On Monday, August 31, 2020, 10:04:22 AM EDT, Ralph Walker <ralphhwalker@...> wrote:
When I built my Sunfish clone I had to build my own tiller and extension, rudder etc and this is what I went with: Racelite Tiller Extension Swivel I have been using it for 2 years now and it works well and pivots in all directions. Here is a photo of it installed: 
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The wood tiller works fine.? I really like the tiller extension with the rubber universal joint though.? I have a longer extension that I like when I'm racing alone.? When my son is on the boat with me, I find myself wishing that I had a shorter extension. I'd say that upgrading to the universal joint will make a much smaller difference than upgrading from the hook to a block for the sheet though.?
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The extensions are pricey, has anyone made or found a cheaper substitute?
On Mon, Aug 31, 2020, 10:50 AM Chad Bean < Z28colt@...> wrote: The wood tiller works fine.? I really like the tiller extension with the rubber universal joint though.? I have a longer extension that I like when I'm racing alone.? When my son is on the boat with me, I find myself wishing that I had a shorter extension. I'd say that upgrading to the universal joint will make a much smaller difference than upgrading from the hook to a block for the sheet though.?
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I never sailed much, and not in a long time, but I'm wondering to myself if
some kind of sliding knot (there is a better word for them -- like a Prusik or
one of the many variations would work, or at least partially.
You could tie a Prusik on to the mainsheet using a short piece of suitable
rope, and then tie it off to the cleat or hook or whatever that you normally
fasten the mainsheet to.
Many of those knots require two hands to move them -- some of them can be set
up (iirc) to need only one hand in one direction (but two in the other
direction).
Mountain and tree climbers use knots like that, so they can hold a big load if
you choose the right ropes (or lines ;-)
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On Monday, August 31, 2020 11:58:20 AM Dave Aronson wrote: The extensions are pricey, has anyone made or found a cheaper substitute?
On Mon, Aug 31, 2020, 10:50 AM Chad Bean <Z28colt@...> wrote:
The wood tiller works fine. I really like the tiller extension with the
rubber universal joint though. I have a longer extension that I like
when I'm racing alone. When my son is on the boat with me, I find
myself wishing that I had a shorter extension. I'd say that upgrading to
the universal joint will make a much smaller difference than upgrading
from the hook to a block for the sheet though.
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