Harken XD control systems - Outhaul (with 18mm "Carbo" blocks)

Harken XD control systems - Outhaul (with 18mm "Carbo" blocks")

This is essentially the outhaul system supplied on XD boats & in XD equipment packs from 2007 onwards when the XD (Extra Dimension) equipment level was "refreshed" following the introduction of the "Carbo" range of blocks & the 16mm "Air" blocks were replaced by 18mm "Carbo" blocks. The 18mm "Carbo" blocks do not appreciably change the effectiveness of the XD systems being efficient, reliable & durable although they are slightly lighter they are also somewhat less robust & slightly more expensive. The XD outhaul systems, with either the 16mm or 18mm block, are by far the most widely used systems & they remain the bench mark by which other systems are judged.

ILCAdirect has thus:

Retained the XD "Carbo" outhaul arrangement as supplied, because it has proved to be so popular.

Offers a choice of hook or shackle for the clew attachment.

Offers an option of kit or prepared lines.

1) Kit form - parts & lines only: 

• Comprising 4 x Harken "Carbo" 18mm single blocks
• Clew hook or shackle
• Plastic hook
• 1.5m 3mm D12 Dynema
• 6.0m 4mm Dinghy Control line
• Shock cord (for retraction system).

2) Complete - parts as above with the lines "Prepared":

• Prepared primary line - Spliced Dynema D12. (Spliced primaries are the most effective securing method. The primary line is spliced through the hub of the secondary block incorporating an eye for the end of the retraction shock cord. The second end has an eye sized to allow the secondary block, with secondary line attached, to be "looped" on & off the boom end fairlead eye making for a quick & easy line change.)
• Prepared secondary line – Knotted 4mm Dinghy Control (DC) or 4mm Continuous Control (CC). (Knotted secondaries are the most effective securing method whilst also allowing for a relatively quick & easy line change.)
• Choice of line length to allow a laced handle.)

The "Retraction system" is neat, cheap, simple, reliable & effective which can be used in two ways:

1) Attaches to the systems travelling block (Remember the rules are permissive so the rules have to specifically say that you may & prior to 2018 this was not the case). Being attached to the block it acts to retract the secondary system  & keep it taught independently of the sail whilst maintaining the block in the correct attitude. This results in a slightly more efficient system overall.

2) Attaches to itself. In windy weather you might have difficulty passing the end of the shock cord through the eye in which case you simply hook it onto itself.

Rigging notes

Replacement primary & secondary line with block

Replacement gooseneck turning block with spliced strop

Replacement clew block with hook & spliced strop.

Replacement clew block with shackle & spliced strop.

Replacement retraction system

Please note: These are made to order, so they may have a longer lead time that normal.