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Harken Ratchamatic Carbo Blocks

The Carbo Ratchamatic is a load-sensing ratchet block that rolls freely in both directions under low loads and automatically engages the ratchet as loads increase. Shifting between ratchet and light-air modes is seamless. Unloaded main and jib sheets run out freely during mark roundings and asymmetrical spinnakers free instantly during jibes.

Ratchet engagement may be adjusted to a higher or lower load according to strength and sailing style. The Ratchamatic cheek block mounts on either port or starboard. The holding power of the 57 mm is as high as 10:1.

For the ultimate system, mount a Ratchamatic block on the boom above a cockpit-mounted switchable ratchet to allow the mainsheet to run freely in light air and to double holding power in heavy air.