Harken XD Outhaul system – Laser

Description

Harken XD Outhaul system – Laser

In the strict one design Laser class there is a degree of freedom with control systems.

The Outhaul system is possibly the most important of the Laser control systems to get right & be reliable as it is the one that get you in the most trouble if it fails.

The Harken XD (eXtra Dimension) Outhaul system was first introduced in 2005 proving to be both effective & reliable, remaining as the bench mark by which other systems are judged. Originally it was supplied with 16mm “air blocks but later with the 18mm “Carbo” blocks however, both of these blocks work equally well. The 16mm “air” block possibly having an advantage in that they are cheaper, more robust & easier to change the lines (which will be needed from time to time during the life of the system in order to maintain its function, reliability & efficiency).
If looked after reasonably well (kept clean, occasionally lubricated but primarily free of sand & grit) this system has proved to be exceptionally effective & durable.

The most widely used outhaul purchase arrangement is 6:1. (4:1 is not enough purchase for most whilst 8:1 is unnecessarily powerful & also results in additional secondary line “tail end” in the cockpit) is anchored from the mid-boom cleat & runs along the top of the boom with a clew hook or shackle. Although there are a few variations & some have the outhaul system either anchored from the mast or running along the side of the boom the disadvantages out weigh the advantages.

The system comprises:
1) Harken 16mm (three singles & one single with becket) or 18mm blocks (four singles).
2) Harken clew hook or clew shackle
3) Primary line: 3mm Dynema D12 (Anthracite)
5) Secondary line: 4mm (Blue/white, Black/white)
6) Shock cord retraction system with hook

Over the years sailors have used a variety of other manufacturers blocks many of which have worked equally well. Essentially so long as the “lead-in” to the blocks is straight & the system does not twist almost any block will do. But these two Harken block types  have proved to be efficient, reliable & durable.

The retraction system is a “two-in-one” system allowing the retraction system to be either:
1) Secured at the mid-boom cleat then passed under the boom, through the clew of the sail, back under the boom to be hooked up on itself at the mid-boom cleat.
2) Secured at the mid-boom cleat then passed under the boom, through the clew of the sail & tucked through eye in the primary line near the outhaul block.

Of course, by themselves control systems do not make you fast although they can prevent you being slow, which is nearly the same thing…
(If you are fighting your controls when others are not then the chance are that you are loosing distance to them.)

Sail & Sport offers the Harken XD Outhaul system with either block rigged 6:1 with high quality lines & setting up instructions.

Should you wish for a custom system email us your requirements:   info@sailandsport.co.uk