Just bought our first cat a month ago. European classic 16.
It has the springy block+cleat for the jib. No traveler lines and VERY hard to uncleat. I've seen other systems there.
Have anyone tried upgrading to low profile or full new system?
Is it worth the cost?

Thanks in advance.

Sounds like you have the original Seaway jib cleat/traveller car. These had all SS parts that, over time, get corroded and difficult to operate. Sometimes they can be salvaged with a good cleaning and soaking with WD-40.

There have been many upgrades designed for the H16 jib sheet system and they are easy to install. Check out the Hobie and Murrays catalogs. If you plan on racing, an adjustable traveller/jib cleat upgrade is recommended. If not and you want to spend some money, the Hobie Lo-Profile Jib Block (PN 1075) is a good place to start. You can get as fancy as you want.

IMO, WD-40 is not a lubricant and should never be used. If you want to use the exsiting jib blocks take the time to disassemble the entire setup.

1. Use soap and water clean them, then rinse everything off.
2. Let all the parts sit in a bowl of CLR for a few hours.
3. Rinse again and lubricate with dry Teflon spray and let them sit overnight
4. Put everything back together and lubricate again with either dry Teflon or Silicon spray.

I do this once a year on all my blocks and mine are only a year or two old Harken brand. When stuff works like butter, sailing enjoyment is 10-fold.

Have anyone tried upgrading to low profile or full new system?

If you still have the original seaway main block system with the two singles above the ratchet and double block combo, then you don't need a low profile jib system just yet. However a remote traveller might be useful, if your crew needs to adjust from the wire.

The whole thing works together as a system. A low profile main system allows you to further rake the mast, if you have shorter shrouds and a longer forestay adjuster. After this is accomplished, you find you need low profile jib blocks to fly the jib correctly. Both Hobie and Murrays sell the stuff in the form of individual parts or as a complete system in the form of a kit.