Ronstan Series 40 Orbit Blocks are high-load sailboat blocks with maximum working loads from 400 kg up to 1000 kg (HHL versions), built around a lightweight glass-fiber-reinforced nylon body and a two-stage bearing system. The 23-option range covers mainsheet, halyard, vang, backstay, and control-line applications on dinghies, catamarans, sportsboats, and yachts up to roughly 30 ft (9 m).
Ronstan Series 40 Orbit Blocks at a glance
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Series | Series 40 (40 mm sheave class) |
| Options in range | 23 configurations |
| Max working load | 400 kg to 1000 kg (HHL versions) |
| Cheek material | Toughened glass-fiber-reinforced nylon |
| Bearing | Two-stage bearing system |
| Typical boat size | Dinghies & sportsboats to 8 m (26 ft); vang/halyard/backstay to 9 m (30 ft) |
| Max purchase | Up to 12:1 mainsheet (performance multihulls) |
What are Ronstan Series 40 Orbit Blocks?
The Series 40 Orbit range is part of Ronstan's Orbit block family, offering 23 different configurations with excellent dynamic and static load ratings. The cheeks are molded from lightweight, strong toughened glass-fiber-reinforced nylon, and each block uses a two-stage bearing system to keep the sheave rolling smoothly under load. The result is a block with a balanced mix of strength, performance, and reliability across a wide range of rigging tasks.
How much load can a Series 40 Orbit Block handle?
Maximum working loads for the Series 40 Orbit Blocks range from 400 kg on the lighter configurations up to 1000 kg on the HHL (high-load) versions. These increased working loads open up more applications on larger boats than the smaller Orbit series, while the two-stage bearing keeps friction low when the line is loaded and running.
Which applications suit the Series 40 Orbit Blocks?
These blocks suit a broad set of jobs: mainsheet systems and spinnaker sheets on dinghies, off-the-beach catamarans, and sportsboats up to 8 m (26 ft); halyard, vang, and backstay applications on boats up to 9 m (30 ft); and control-line applications on larger yachts. Multiple sheave configurations let you build up to a 12:1 purchase mainsheet system for performance multihulls.
How do I choose the right Series 40 Orbit Block?
Start with the working load your application demands, then match the sheave count (single, double, triple, or fiddle) to the purchase you need. Choose the head type — swivel shackle, stand-up, cheek, or becket — based on how the block attaches and leads the line, and add an integrated cleat where you want to hold and adjust the tail at the block. If you are unsure which configuration fits your boat, the MAURIPRO Rigging Team can help you spec the exact block.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum working load of a Ronstan Series 40 Orbit Block?
Working loads range from 400 kg on standard configurations up to 1000 kg on the HHL high-load versions.
What are the cheeks of the Series 40 Orbit Block made from?
They are molded from lightweight, strong toughened glass-fiber-reinforced nylon, which keeps the block light without sacrificing strength.
How many Series 40 Orbit Block options are available?
The Series 40 Orbit range includes 23 different configurations, covering single through fiddle sheaves with various head and becket options.
What size boats are Series 40 Orbit Blocks designed for?
They suit dinghies, catamarans, and sportsboats up to 8 m (26 ft) for sheet systems, and vang, halyard, and backstay use on boats up to 9 m (30 ft), plus control lines on larger yachts.
Can I build a high-purchase mainsheet with Series 40 Orbit Blocks?
Yes. Multiple sheave configurations allow you to build up to a 12:1 purchase mainsheet system for performance multihulls.
Shop all Ronstan Orbit Blocks →