Harken Yacht Equipment Catalog OnLine

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Reference > Mastbase & Cabin Top Blocks

Leading halyards and control lines aft to the cockpit allows crews to raise and lower sails or make tuning adjustments without moving to the mastbase. Because space is limited at the mastbase and on the cabin house, a variety of specialized blocks have evolved for routing lines aft.

Typical boat length:
Small Boat: 22' - 28' (6.7 - 8.5 m)
Midrange: 29' - 34' (8.8 - 10.4m)
Big Boat: 35' - 42' (10.7 - 12.8m)

Diagram Ref. Description Small Boat Part No. Midrange Part No. Big Boat Part No.

System 1

A Mastbase block 096/ 206/ 222 1986 1990

B Cheek 350/ 2644 2606 1963

C Single 349/ 2652 — —

System 2

A Mastbase block 096/ 206 222 1986 1988/ 1990/ 3053

B Deck organizer 271 1501/ 6055/ 6075 725/ 6053/ 6071

C Winch B6/ B8/ B16 B32 B40/ B42

D Single 2636 2660 1540/ 1950/ 1958

E Stand-up spring 097 071 1573/ 1603

F Stand-up 349/ 2652 1965 1974

System 3

A Mastbase block 096/ 222/ 1986 1986 1990/ 3053

B Deck organizer 271 6055/ 1501/ 6075 725/ 6053/ 6055/ 6071/ 6075

C Winch B6/ B8/ B16 B32 B40/ B42

D Crossover block 2644/ 2606 1984 1981

System 4

A Mastbase block 096/ 222 1986 1990

B Mastbase block 096/ 108/ 222 1986 1990

C Mastbase block 3002 3002 3002

1. Smaller boat under 30' (9 m) often lead only the principle halyards aft.

2. Larger boats use special mastbase halyard lead blocks (A). Lines are routed out to deck organizers then aft to stoppers and winches. Stand-up blocks on a base are sometimes preferred for their complete articulation, but they hold halyards higher off the deck than specialized mastbase blocks.

3. Modern race boats lead halyards and control lines straight aft through deck organizers so they can be used on either cabintop winch.

4. Special blocks are required when lines must route over an outside corner like the front of a doghouse or coaming.

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