- System 1
- System 2
- System 3
- System 4

- System 5
- System 6
- System 7
- System 8

- System 9
- System 10
- System 11
- System 12

- System 13
- System 14
- System 15
- System 16

Small Boat:
22 - 28 ft. (6.7 - 8.5 m)

Midrange:
29 - 34 ft. (8.8 - 10.4 m)

Big Boat:
35 - 42 ft. (10.7 - 12.8 m)

1. This 4:1 tackles is the most common system on boats under 28 ft (8.5 m).

1.a Boats with mainsails to 375 ft2 (35 m2) often use a 6:1 system.

1.b This 8:1 purchase handles high mainsheet loads on Beachcats up to 20 ft (6 m).

Buy parts for this system

2. Position the swivel base block off the traveler car to allow mainsail adjustment without dragging the car to windward in light air. To avoid tightening the leech, curve the track ends up.

3. This 6:1/24:1 cascading system is used on boats with end-boom sheeting and mains as large as 275 ft2 (25.5 m2). and end-boom sheeting.

3.a This powerful groos-trim / fine-tune cascading system allows crew to use the 4:1 gross-trim for most trimming and the 16:1 fine-tune for precise adjustments.

Buy parts for this system

4. This 4:1/16:1 system uses a dinghy like double ended tackle that locates the sheet ends on the cockpit sides.

5. Install the fine-tune system in the boom to stop the leech from tightening as the car moves off centerline- often a problem in external fine-tune systems. It also cleans up the cockpit.

6. This system moves the traveler over the companionway to clean up the cockpit. A favorite on cruising boats.

Buy parts for this system

7. This system is popular on cruising boats with cabintop travelers. The sheet leads forward to the gooseneck and then down and back to a winch on the aft edge of the cabintop.

8. This simple double-ended system lets the mainsheet run freely through the blocks which allows the traveler car to move easily. The trimmer makes sail adjustments from the high side.

9. In this system, the traveler is independent of the mainsheet so its rolls freely. The sheet leads forward along the boom before it turns down and aft to winches. Used on race boats like the Farr® 40.

Buy parts for this system

Two-Speed Mainsheets Systems:
These dual purpose system offer sailors the option of either speed or power. They are used for mainsheets on small to medium-sized offshore boats where power is required for effective heavy- air trimming and mark roundings.

10. Many large boats use this simple 2:1 system. A block on deck turns the sheet to a winch.

Buy parts for this system

11. This simple two-speed 2:1/4:1 system is ideal for boats with mainsails to 150 ft2 (13.9 m2). and end-boom sheeting.

Buy parts for this system

12. This system is often found on boats like J/24 where a center- mounted swivel base is desired.

Buy parts for this system

13. This 3:1/6:1 two-speed system is used on boats end-boom sheeting and mainsails up to 240 ft2 (22.3 m2). and end- boom sheeting.

Buy parts for this system

14. This 3:1/6:1 system allows the mainsheet trimmer to be positioned anywhere on the boat. A great setup for sport boats.

Buy parts for this system

15. Similar to system 14, but uses a 4:1/8:1 tackle for more power.

Buy parts for this system

16. This 6:1/24:1 system is used on boats with mains as large as 275 ft2 (25.5 m2). and end-boom sheeting.

Buy parts for this system

Backstay adjusters allow racers and cruisers to adjust and control mast rake and headstay tension. Adjusting the backstay shapes the main to optimize upwind and downwind performance. On racer/cruisers, tightening the backstay increases headstay tension for upwind sailing, while loosening the backstay offwind reduces weather helm.

Top

Harken Mainsheet Systems

If you need immediate assistance finding the appropriate sailing gear, sailboat hardware or sailing equipment for your boat, please call us toll free at: 1-888-756-8883, our crew is ready to help you.

Graphics and Data courtesy of Harken Yacht Equipment