Replaced main sheet blocks!

[Yamaha33410]

So I replaced the block on my boom and on the starboard side for my main sheet. I run the stock 1/4 sized rope fr all my halyards and sheet lines. I did leave the cleat alone for now as that doesn't do as much movement, but I replaced the side by side block on the boom with a Harken 40mm carbo fiddle block and I used a single Harken 40mm carbo block on the starboard side transom, both use shackles for attachment.

I was plagued with the sheet twisting up on the starboard side and my boom would jam up and not go out on its own for downwind sailing, I would basically feed the line out by hand to let the wind pick up the slack and move the boom out, it was annoying, not right, and almost unsafe as you are now stuck at the back fiddling with the line occupying your attention when you could be paying attention to other things. This was such a good upgrade and highly recommend it! Now once I've jybed properly and feel the booms on the proper side I just release the entire main sheet to rest on it's stopped knot and the boom swings out so freely it's beautiful!!! If you have similar problems, or have even thought about doing this upgrade, do it before you go sailing again, you will instantly recognize the major improvement!

[Citroen/Dave]

Some use boats come with a replacement mainsheet that is not proper.  Some lines are "right handed" or "left handed" intended to coil easily.  The main sheet needs to be a line that has no "handedness".  I don't know the proper terms, but such a line is less likely to foul when used as a mainsheet.

[Yamaha33410]

I use 1/4 sta set... seems to be fairly straight! With this new arrangement it is totally different, I understand what you're saying though, I use the staset x for the halyards and its very stiff and not flexible so to speak, I would hate to use that type of rope on our main sheet setup

[jdklaser]

Try New England Ropes Buzz line.  Good stuff.

[mander127]

Do you have a photo you could post? I have been tinkering with the block all summer..

[Yamaha33410]

It is hard to post a photo here, that is a shame as it may be helpful for others.

If you want and have a smartphone, send me a private message with your phone number and I can text you some pics, I have it on the trailer normally so the mast is down, but I can hold the fiddle block up with one hand and take some pics so you get a good idea of the setup and routing!