DaySailer.org Forum

Went sailing this past weekend in 20+ kts. I don't have a ratchet on the main sheet and I didn't want to cleat the main sheet just in case I had to dump it quickly. Needless to say, that was a lot of work. I'm now convinced on the value of a rachet on the main sheet. I've been researching them but don't know how much m.w.l. I will need. I would like to go with the Ronstan RF56110 but it has a working load of 550 lbs. Will that be stout enough?

I have the Harken 2626 http://www.harken.com/productdetail.aspx?id=4741&taxid=421

It is rated for 500 lbs and does just fine.

I came across the Harken 2626 but wasn't quite sure why it would be almost 50% more than the Ronstan. Both are auto ratchets with a becket and swivel head with working loads in the 500+ lbs range.

I use a Ronstan RF56530. It is holding up well on my mid boom mainsheet.

The 55m Ronstan is the one I use, except I don't have mid-boom sheeting, so mine doesn't have becket or fiddle blocks.

I only get a 90 degre wrap and it proves to be plenty. (The mainsheet I use looks like it's made from "rag-wool" socks, so it's pretty grippy but smooth running).

I went with the Ronstan RF56111. Rachet can be turned on or off as well as an automatic mode. Cost $72. Arrived yesterday. I have two concerns with it. 1) the becket is rated for 55lbs. Seems lighter than I would like. 2) reviews said a 180 degree wrap may be too much holding power and the line won't be allowed to play out when released. When I take the boat out, I'll report back on how well it works.

I went with the harken, it has less holding power and also because of the auto-ratchets adjustability. I have the adjuster turned down a bit on it to make it have less holding power. When sheeting out, there is always a slip before the ratchet breaks free. But the the main sheet slips out pretty fast even before breaking completely free.

The little selector on the Ronstans is a bit finicky. Just set it to auto and try it. Auto setting has worked out of the box for me on these, with no need to adjust or disable.

Where do you get the info on the working load for the becket? I find "Load on becket not to exceed block load, i.e., MWL 550 Lbs (250kg)", looks like you or your source dropped a "0" (or factor of 10 here).

You are correct GL. The becket is also rated at 551 lbs. I had mistaken the 1 for the 'l" in lbs. damn these aging eyes!

Well, I finally made it out for my first sail with the Ronstan RF56111. What a difference the rachet makes. Before it felt like a constant battle with the main; now it's much more enjoyable. I would highly suggest if anyone is out there with a non-ratcheting main sheet, to drop the $$s and pick one up.

Cool!

Shagbark wrote: I would highly suggest if anyone is out there with a non-ratcheting main sheet, to drop the $$s and pick one up.

100% agree!

Shagbark wrote:Well, I finally made it out for my first sail with the Ronstan RF56111. What a difference the rachet makes. Before it felt like a constant battle with the main; now it's much more enjoyable. I would highly suggest if anyone is out there with a non-ratcheting main sheet, to drop the $$s and pick one up.

Yes!!!

Glad you are enjoying it!