I am looking to improve my jib setup on my Nacra 6.0. I currently have the older Harken “Ratchmatic” blocks at the jibs with camcleats on each hull to hold the sheets. The cam cleats are a pain to use and aren’t reliable since they’re susceptible to a foot dislodging it (which is real interesting in a stiff breeze!!!).

I was thinking that I should go with Oxen blocks. Or, in lieu of the Oxen blocks, I was also thinking that a self-tacking jib would make sense.

Does anyone have thoughts on the Oxen blocks and has anyone heard of converting the 6.0 to self-tacking – and if so who does it?

I understand that the conversion would likely result in a smaller jib. However, since I have a Hooter I didn’t think the loss of sail area would matter in light winds, and in heavier winds, I wouldn’t miss the now smaller jib anyway.

Thoughts?

Bill Nieuwkerk