🧐 Can't find it on the site? Contact us, we'll find it!

16 mm recessed air block

More details

the Harken® 16 mm flush-mount Air block, the most compact block in the range. Designed specifically for small synthetic fiber control lines on high-tech dinghies, it guarantees optimal performance in the tightest spaces. Thanks to its patented bearing with captive stainless steel balls, this block offers exceptional handling and reliability, while supporting high loads.

  • Sheave Ø: 16 mm
  • Overall length: 60 mm
  • Weight: 18 g
  • Maximum working load: 113 kg
  • Breaking load: 544 kg

This model also stands out for its ability to accept ropes up to 5 mm in diameter, offering great versatility for all types of precise adjustments on racing sailboats.

  • Patented stainless steel ball bearing system for smooth gliding and increased longevity.
  • Easy installation thanks to its standard cutout dimensions (11 x 35 mm), perfect for discreet integration.
  • Ultra-light (18 g), ideal for dinghies where every gram counts.
  • High-end Harken® materials to resist wear and marine corrosion.
  • High load capacity, compatible with the demanding maneuvers of racing dinghies.

SKU: 421  |  Barcode: 097653016212
Sale price €4790 EUR Regular price €5431

Sheave Ø (mm) 16 mm
Sheave Ø (in) 5/8 in
Length (mm) 60 mm
Length (in) 2 3/8 in
Weight (g) 18 g
Weight (oz) .63 oz
Max. rope Ø (mm) 5 mm
Max. rope Ø (in) 7/32 in
Screw (mm) 4 RH mm
Screw (in) #8 RH in
Max. working load (kg) 113 kg
Max. working load (lb) 250 lb
Breaking load (lb) 1200 lb
Breaking load (kg) 544 kg
Cutout (mm) 11 x 35 mm
Cutout (in) 7/16 x 1 3/8 in

Our tips for choosing

Workload and breaking load

Workload and breaking load

Choose your pulley based on the workload it will have to handle and the desired gear ratio. The orders of magnitude vary depending on the support: 400 to 500kg for the mainsheet or cunningham of an 18-foot catamaran, 100 to 200kg for the mainsheet or downhaul of a 420 dinghy for example.
Coefficient of friction

Coefficient of friction

Modern ball bearing pulleys offer a much lower coefficient of friction than those without balls and are recommended for maneuvers that require constant adjustment (mainsail sheet, downhaul, cunningham, spinnaker essentially).
Restraining force

Restraining force

For the mainsheet which is not always fully tightened, or even never on some boats which require constant adjustment (29er, 49er, Class A,...) as for the spinnaker sheet, favor automatic or non-automatic winch pulleys, which considerably save muscles and gloves thanks to a retention that can go up to 70% of the workload.
Sheave diameter

Sheave diameter

Choose the diameter of the pulley according to the diameter of the rope it will guide. For example, depending on the support and workload, a 40 or 57 sheave is very suitable for a 6 to 10mm mainsail sheet. For Cunningham or downhaul type maneuvers, 16 or 22 sheaves are suitable.
Material

Material

Stainless steel, carbon, composite, it's essentially a matter of weight, with an impact on the price: it all depends on the importance you attach to it. If the pulley is to guide a cable, use aluminum sheaves which will be much more resistant than composite materials.