What Is a Cheek Block, and When Do You Need One?
A cheek block is a fixed, flat-mounted pulley that redirects a line without swiveling — see when you need one instead of a snatch block, and how to size it...
Sailboat Blocks & AttachmentsHow-To Guides
Choose blocks and attachments rated for your loads to build efficient, low-friction systems. Learn how sheave size, bearings, and lashing or shackle attachment affect performance.
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What Is an Antal Snatch Block, and When Do You Need One?
What an Antal snatch block does differently from a fixed block, when you need one instead of a permanent turning block, and how to size the right model — Snatch...
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How to Size a Mainsheet Block System by Boat Length & Load
Match your mainsheet system to mainsail area first, then choose the two-speed purchase ratio and confirm the line diameter. This guide sizes real Harken and Ronstan mainsheet systems by boat...
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Ball-Bearing vs Plain-Bearing Blocks: Friction, Load & Longevity
Ball-bearing blocks reduce friction for lines you actively trim; plain-bearing blocks carry higher loads with less maintenance. This guide compares both, with real specs from Harken Carbo, Ronstan Orbit, Selden...
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Harken Ratchet vs. Ratchamatic Blocks: Which to Use and When
Harken ratchet vs. Ratchamatic blocks explained: how each engages, holding power, and when to choose a switchable ratchet or an auto Ratchamatic.
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Ronstan Blocks: The Ultimate Guide to High-Performance Sailing Blocks
Ronstan blocks are the pulleys that route and redirect running rigging—sheets, halyards and control lines—with the least possible friction, and choosing the right one comes down to three numbers: the...
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The Advanced Technology of Ronstan Orbit Blocks
Ronstan Orbit blocks are Ronstan's high-performance block range, built around a two-stage bearing system and fibre-reinforced sheaves that deliver an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. In practice this means they run with...
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Harken Black Magic Blocks
Harken Black Magic blocks are Harken's high-load, roller-bearing block line built for big-boat sailing, offering greater working-load capacity than the composite Carbo Series while staying fully serviceable. They combine a...
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Ronstan Series 40 Orbit Blocks
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...
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Ronstan Series 55 Orbit Ratchets
The Ronstan Series 55 Orbit Ratchet is a 55 mm ratchet block offering both automatic and manual engagement modes, up to 20:1 holding power, and a lightweight 82 g build. Built...
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How to Choose Harken Ratchet Blocks
Choose a Harken ratchet block by matching sheave size to your line load, then deciding between a switchable ratchet (you turn the grip on and off) and a Ratchamatic (auto-engages...
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Harken Power 3 Ratchet Blocks
The Harken Power3 ratchet is offered in 57 mm and 75 mm sheave sizes; this guide covers the 57 mm block, offered in three interchangeable holding-power levels — 10:1 (Standard, Black), 15:1 (1.5x,...
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101 Selden Blocks: Which block type should I use for my boat?
If you love Selden and want to know which block to use, we will show you the various blocks and the recommended applications to choose which block to get based...
