If you decide to go on an adventure in the open seas, whether for work or pleasure, you must make sure that your equipment is of high quality, durability, and dependability. So, in addition to choosing a vessel that guarantees peace of mind regarding these three aspects, you also need the type of marine equipment that delivers the same.
The beauty of the market nowadays is that there are plenty of options, ranging in design, material, and price, but when reputability is what you’re after, there’s no doubt Harken is the name that comes out among the top choices due to the proven performance and standard of each of their lines of products. The impressive range of blocks, including the long-lasting Harken wire block models, is no exception, of course.
Why Invest in Harken Gear?
The years of experience in designing and crafting boating hardware of quality would sum up the answer. Harken is a brand that’s been on the market since 1967. Even though it started in the USA, it was its dedication to improving the experience in the water through cutting-edge innovation and top-notch materials for each of the components that helped propel it into the market worldwide.
Their hard-wearing Harken wire block designs, as well as the rest of the products, can now be found in the UK, as well as in Australia, New Zealand, France, and Italy, with group offices in these countries and reliable retailers that specialise in marine equipment. As the pinnacle of excellence in sailing hardware and accessories, their bits and pieces stand out not only in the aesthetic that contributes to the overall appeal of the vessel, or the seamless and functional design, but in versatility as well.
One perfect example would be the range of blocks you can find available for vessels of all shapes and sizes, so you can choose the perfect fit for your sailing needs with ease. No matter what application you require them for, there’s a block of suitable material, capacity, and durability to back you up. One thing is for sure: these blocks are built to last!
As they design each of the components with the utmost care, you can customise a Harken block with components that are more to your taste and sailing requirements. Just contact the specialists, and they can come up with a suitable solution for you. It’s also just as easy to get a premium block fixed with the needed hardware as they’re designed to be serviceable, which further proves the brand’s trustworthiness and dedication to serving the customers with the very best.
What Size Are Harken Blocks?
The two main distinctions the company likes to sort their models into are the small boat and big boat blocks. There’s something for everyone, so your choice boils down to what it is you need based on your vessel as well as the level of performance you plan on getting out of this equipment piece. One example would be racing.
If racing is what you live for and you simply can’t imagine being in the water without this kind of fun, then choosing one of the big boat options is the ideal choice for you, and the perfect match depends on your vessel’s specific size. On the other hand, if you’re not that into racing, you could do with one of the small boat models.
The Small Type
Whether you’re just starting with sailing adventures or have some experience behind you, you won’t be wrong in choosing from this range of Harken sailing blocks, as this is where the brand started with its years-long success. Just because they’re small doesn’t mean they lack quality or reliability. Their designs are made to be compact and lightweight yet packed for utmost performance for an array of sailboats. Some of the options you can shop from in this category include:
The Classic Blocks
If you ever wondered about the very foundation line of Harken products, this is it. They’ve invested so much in them; they’re as close to perfection as you can imagine with their range of sizes, looks, and configurations, so no matter what your trimming task may be, there’s a suitable choice of Harken classic block for you. What’s typical about them is the ball bearing, which makes for smooth and easy operation. It’s a package deal as it’s affordable, valuable, and, above all, strong as it’s made to handle loads.
The Micro Blocks
If you require something lighter that also provides you with finer control, like in cases with a complex rigging setup, then this is an option you should consider. Despite the compact design, you can be certain about the precision and performance this brand is known for, especially knowing this type has cam cleats, stainless steel side plates, and ball bearings that can withstand UV rays.
The Carbo Air Blocks
Not that the Classic line needed any improvement, but this is an upgrade in terms of being lighter and stronger—about 30% and 60%, respectively, to be precise. To achieve this, they added hollow carbon fibre and titanium components, without this change being at the expense of strength.
The Fly Soft-Attach Blocks
As they’re dedicated to constantly innovating and improving, this line came out of the mission to create an even lighter block, starting with the Harken T2 series and then morphing into the Fly Soft-Attach blocks with cutting-edge soft-attach systems. This change makes for a fair lead without swivel components, as well as quick mounting and transfer between lines.
The Zircon Blocks
If there ever was a design synonymous with function, it’s got to be this. This compact block is notable for the zircon bearings chosen for their strength, which can top up that of their stainless counterparts, resulting in a smooth and fast operation.
The Wire High-Strength Blocks
Much like the classic line, the Harken wire blocks line is available in a range of sizes, meaning these options are fit for a range of vessels and tasks. What you need to know about them is they’re lightweight, with an anodised sheave that’s strong and corrosion-resistant, and they’ve got composite bearings that are fit for the central loads.
The Protexit Blocks
Anyone looking for smaller blocks that are still perfect for racing can find them in the Protexit line. With an all-anodised aluminium housing, they can handle higher working loads.
The Big Type
When you’ve got heavier loads you intend to put the blocks through, there’s no doubt you’d need one of the big boat types from Harken. As the epitome of excellence and reliability, you can be sure their cutting-edge components can withstand wear and tear, whether it’s 500 kg or 5000 kg.
The Element Blocks
Think of the Element as the foundation for this line, much like the Classic is the foundation of the small blocks. Affordable yet strong, with bits like strong forged hard-coat anodised aluminium side plates, they’re great for versatile applications.
The Black Magic Air Blocks
The black aesthetic that’s ultra-stylish is backed up by function, as these blocks have low-friction roller bearings plus a centre cage combo to offer a smooth sailing experience. Whether you need the Harken Black Magic 57 or 75 mm, you can bet on reliability and lightweight design.
The Cruising ESP Blocks
If you want the best of both Black Magic designs at a low price, then this is the option for you. The reduced price comes from the less expensive construction, which in no way reduces the quality.
The Stainless Steel Wire Blocks
For the applications of handling wire halyards or high-strength control lines, you can count on the help of the durable Harken wire block with mirror-polished side plates.
The V Blocks
These are some of the most expensive options from the brand, due to the choice of top-notch materials like titanium sheaves, captive titanium roller bearings, and 3D-moulded side plates for more efficiency even when used closer to the maximum load.