The double block on the boom for the main sheet is worse for wear on my '78. I've replaced pretty much everything else with Harken, including the other blocks for the main with Harken 44mm ("Dinghy Classic"). The problem is that without doing something fancy with extra swivels or whatnot, I can't find anything like the Barton - with a clevis parallel to the axis of the sheaves.
I'm thinking about just taking that tang off the end of the boom and putting a shackle on the bottom of the boom with a "normal" double block.
Anyone else found a suitable replacement?
Hey Hobdey:
Though not very elegant, we tie a line onto the clew, run it through one of the holes in the fitting at the end of the boom, back through the clew, and then to a cleat. This rig provides enough purchase to keep the foot tight w/o any blocks.
Inexpensive rather than cheap!
regards charlie