SFBayLaser
Member
As some of you know, the builders have been working with Harken on a proposal to replace the current boom and traveler blocks. The new blocks would have ball bearing sheaves and have the same look as Harken's carbo air blocks. These would not be off the shelf blocks, they would be custom for the Laser: the block at the end of the boom will have the ability to rotate slightly so as to not have the bail cut into it like with the current block, the traveller blocks would be one unit with a universal that would not require taping, etc. Finally, they would be "builder supplied" and have the Laser logo engraved on them.
Prototypes of these blocks have made their way around the world. I've resisted posting pictures because these are working prototypes and don't have the final look that the production blocks will have, so don't want people to get the wrong impression of what they will look like in the end. But I can post pictures if people think seeing working prototypes will help them form an opinion, though you can check out your favorite online marine supplier to get a feeling for the basic concept. I can say that they will really look cool on the boat...
These blocks run much more freely than the current blocks and any sailor using them will notice the difference (I can certainly vouch for this too!). Other than that, they have been designed to match the dimensions of the current block so should behave the same in all other ways.
Applying the general sorts of guidelines to proposals like this (Does it change the sailing characterisitcs of the boat? Does is solve a problem that needs fixing? Do the sailors want it? Will it be generally available worldwide at reasonable cost? etc.) results in the following basic pro/con type of arguments...
Some arguments for include:
1) Modern carbo airblocks to replace blocks which were outdated when Lasers went into production,
2) Doesn't change the characteristics of the boat (or does it? see below),
3) Harken products readily available worldwide at reasonable prices,
4) Sailors want better blocks,
5) etc.
Some arguments against:
1) Main sheet can run much more freely, perhaps is an advantage in light air, and may change the game?
2) Current blocks are readily available worldwide at reasonable prices, probably more so than Harken blocks?
3) Sailors don't really want to change the blocks?
This will be discussed at the upcoming World Council meeting next month in Terrigal. It would be really interesting to get some feedback from The Laser Forum to see if sailors, in general, feel strongly one way or the other.
Tracy
Prototypes of these blocks have made their way around the world. I've resisted posting pictures because these are working prototypes and don't have the final look that the production blocks will have, so don't want people to get the wrong impression of what they will look like in the end. But I can post pictures if people think seeing working prototypes will help them form an opinion, though you can check out your favorite online marine supplier to get a feeling for the basic concept. I can say that they will really look cool on the boat...
These blocks run much more freely than the current blocks and any sailor using them will notice the difference (I can certainly vouch for this too!). Other than that, they have been designed to match the dimensions of the current block so should behave the same in all other ways.
Applying the general sorts of guidelines to proposals like this (Does it change the sailing characterisitcs of the boat? Does is solve a problem that needs fixing? Do the sailors want it? Will it be generally available worldwide at reasonable cost? etc.) results in the following basic pro/con type of arguments...
Some arguments for include:
1) Modern carbo airblocks to replace blocks which were outdated when Lasers went into production,
2) Doesn't change the characteristics of the boat (or does it? see below),
3) Harken products readily available worldwide at reasonable prices,
4) Sailors want better blocks,
5) etc.
Some arguments against:
1) Main sheet can run much more freely, perhaps is an advantage in light air, and may change the game?
2) Current blocks are readily available worldwide at reasonable prices, probably more so than Harken blocks?
3) Sailors don't really want to change the blocks?
This will be discussed at the upcoming World Council meeting next month in Terrigal. It would be really interesting to get some feedback from The Laser Forum to see if sailors, in general, feel strongly one way or the other.
Tracy