Mainsheet ratchet block fastenings

[SMHolmans]

Hi all.
My mainsheet ratchet block was supplied with machine screws and nuts for through hull attachment, which clearly won't work because it sits on top of the centreboard case.
What type of fastenings did you guys use, please?
Thanks!

[afairaizl]

I think it was 2.5" or 3" #10 stainless screws with the base rotated so that two screws on each side straddled the centerboard case and avoided hitting the centerboard lifting line. I verified depth before putting the deck on but cant remember exactly. (one side of the square created by the screw heads parallel with the footwell wall)

[SMHolmans]

Thanks. That’s really helpful. I thought that would be the solution. Thanks again!
Steve

[Pasi in Finland]

A builder I know has used the machine screws and nuts. He was able to hold the nut through the centerbord inspection port with a helper turning the bolt from ouside.

Pasi

[SMHolmans]

Thanks Pasi.
I had a close look at things today and I have decided to make a support pad for the block which I will bolt through the deck. I did consider attempting to use the machine screws through the inspection port but thought it was less than ideal!
I also discovered in the last couple of days that the through-hull fastening for the ventilators don't work. The ventilators are designed to be screwed to the deck, which won't work in this case, so I will need to make gaskets.
There is never any shortage of work on this build!

[Tom G]

I put my main sheet block on a pad to help stay clear of CB opening. I switched to a swivel with a cam cleat. I really like not having to continually hold the main sheet.

[[email protected]]

I put my main sheet block on a pad to help stay clear of CB opening. I switched to a swivel with a cam cleat. I really like not having to continually hold the main sheet.

Exactly which Harken parts did you use for this? Are they the #144 cam base and the #2670 ratchet block? My boat currently has the stock setup: the 2670 ratchet block and the 461 swivel base.
Always holding the mainsheet is getting tiresome, but I am wondering if I can re-use my current block with the new swivel cam base.

Thanks,
Doug

[Tom G]

The big ratchet that came with the boat is too large for this swivel base. (also way to big in my opinion)

I used a Harken 57mm carbo swivel block (Har 2600) It is not ratcheting but works ok. They make a ratchet version which would be nice but not essential. The base came off my old Lightning so don't know for sure. Looking at their catalog I would guess it is similar to the Standard Low Profile Cam swivel Base HAR #205. The specs say it should be used with a 57mm so that is probably it. The height of the block from the swivel needs to lead into the cam cleat at correct height. I think other swivel blocks could work if this height is correct.

[[email protected]]

Thanks for the quick reply! Yes, I see how the regular vs low-profile swivels are meant for different size blocks.

One other question: How did you mount it in place? It looks like the swivel's 4 mounting screws also hold it together,
so you couldn't replace them with wood screws. Did you use a mounting plate that had tapped holes for the swivel's screws,
and additional holes for wood screws to mount it to the boat?

Good thing you had one lying around: The street price for the #144 is $172...

[Tom G]

I epoxied a block onto the top of the bridge deck. Think 1/2 inch okume to get me more thickness. This also raised the block a bit so it is easier to hold on with out knuckles hitting deck. I just screwed it down with FH stainless #10 screws. I oriented the screws so they would miss the CB opening. It is very solid.