Mainsheet Ratchet to use or not to use...

sailinagin

Rank: Mate

Registered: Jun 14, 2010

Last visit: Aug 18, 2014

Posts: 242
Posted: Jun 02, 2011 - 05:01 PM

I have never conciously used the ratchet mechanism on my H18 mainsheet.

Do you use it? Under what conditions is it useful?

--
David
Memphis, TN
'84 Hobie 18
--
Edchris177

Rank: Chief

Registered: Nov 26, 2009

Last visit: Apr 10, 2024

Posts: 2524
Posted: Jun 02, 2011 - 05:44 PM

I use it most of the time, especially single handed. When tacking there is lots going on when I'm solo. While steering through the tack with one hand, I can use the other to reach down,grab the jib sheet, give it a yank, let go, reach ahead & give it another yank. The ratchets will hold some tension, & prevent the line from just playing back out.
If you have ratcheting on your main, it will take some of the load from your hands. I don't cleat the main in windy conditions, but if you are in no danger of tipping, the ratchet will hold quite a bit of the load. It makes it less tiring on long sails. Out on the wire, you have the tiller in one hand, the main in the other. By only having to hold 1/2 or less of the "pull" your arm does less work.

--
Hobie 18 Magnum
Dart 15
Mystere 6.0XL Sold Was a handful solo
Nacra 5.7
Nacra 5.0
Bombardier Invitation (Now officially DEAD)
Various other Dock cluttering WaterCrap
--
Wolfman

Rank: Chief

Registered: Jun 24, 2009

Last visit: Jun 15, 2023

Posts: 1555
Posted: Jun 02, 2011 - 06:01 PM

I use mine in everything except really light winds. Otherwise why work harder if you don't have to?

--
Dave Bonin
1981 Nacra 5.2 "Lucile"
1986 Nacra 5.7 "Belle"
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
--
flaco

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Aug 04, 2010

Last visit: Feb 12, 2013

Posts: 59
Posted: Jun 02, 2011 - 06:21 PM

I've never used my either. So, if you need to dump the main (in a big gust or to stop a pitchpole or something), does the ratchet make this more difficult? Can you adjust the amount of tension on the line before it grabs?
I need to figuire mine out too, seems like I'm in and out of the cleat all day.
Wolfman

Rank: Chief

Registered: Jun 24, 2009

Last visit: Jun 15, 2023

Posts: 1555
Posted: Jun 02, 2011 - 07:11 PM

Some are adjustable, I think the Ratchamatics are adjustable but the hexaratchets are on/off (don't recall I've never adjusted mine).

Basically it provides extra resistance to letting line out (up to 10-15 times depending on the ratchet). When trimming in the block turns, when letting out the line slips so it is more difficult to let out. In light winds the sail won't give you enough force to let out the block but in medium to high winds it is never a problem.

Dave.

--
Dave Bonin
1981 Nacra 5.2 "Lucile"
1986 Nacra 5.7 "Belle"
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
--