Strain on Sheets

[OceansFive]

I'm looking to use snatch blocks as travellers to better position my genoa sheets (my old boat has no side deck travellers.

However, I'm uncertain what size of snatch blocks to use - there's a tremendous difference in price depending on the working load.

Can anyone put numbers on the loads that come on the sheets?

Thanks,
Dennison

www.dennisonberwick.info

[FrankZ]

You can have a look at Harken's Compuspec. It will suggest Harken products (of course) but you can go from there however you like.

[daddle]

Consider, for cruising uses, non-snatch blocks. Basic shackle blocks are far stronger, less expensive and have a larger diameter for lower friction. However less convenient too....

For a 32' boat the smallest snatch blocks (eg. Harken 1600) should be enough....I would guess...so long as they are not double loaded by turning the line more than 90 degrees. I've used such blocks on a 36 footer's 155% genoa for many years in very tough conditions.