Harken® equipment is designed for minimal maintenance, but some upkeep is required to give the best service and comply with the Harken® limited warranty.
In general, the most important aspect of maintenance is to keep your equipment clean by frequently flushing with fresh water. In corrosive atmospheres, stainless parts may show discoloration around holes, rivets, and screws. This is not serious and may be removed with a fine abrasive.
With the exception of winches, do not use grease unless specifically recommended in the instruction manual.
Use caution when using Harken Stainless Cleaner, teak cleaners or other caustic solutions around hardware, as exposure may cause discoloration to the metal.
Many Harken® products are provided with specific instruction manuals that detail maintenance procedures. Manuals are available at
http://www.harken.com/pdf/Manuals.php
Small Boat/Midrange Blocks
The plastic sideplates and sheaves of Small Boat/Midrange blocks are UV stabilized, but may turn gray after exposure to the sun. This discoloration may be removed with a fine abrasive, but will not reduce the strength of the blocks.
Flush Small Boat/Midrange blocks frequently with fresh water. Periodically clean blocks with detergent and water to remove salt and dirt. Dry lubricants such as McLube®, which will not attract dirt, may be used.
Inspect blocks periodically for damage. In particular, inspect shackles and swivel posts for cracks, corrosion, or elongation. When replacing shackles, be sure to use Harken® parts to maintain the proper strength. Use Loctite® when refastening nuts or screws. Tape cotter rings to prevent snagging.
Do not leave heavy loads on Small Boat/Midrange blocks when not in use as it may slightly deform the bearings. Normally they will return to their proper shape after being rotated, but an initial resistance to rolling may be felt.
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Big Boat Blocks
Flush blocks thoroughly with fresh water. Periodically, disassemble the blocks and clean with detergent and fresh water. Lubricants which will not attract dirt may be used. Examples are McLube®, dry Teflon® or dry silicone sprays.
Inspect shackles and shackle posts for signs of corrosion or deformation. Plastic isolators should always be used between stainless fasteners and aluminum sideplates. Stainless fasteners which pass through aluminum blocks should be coated with an antiseize compound. Nylock nuts should not be used after being removed three times. When replacing shackles and fasteners, use Harken® parts to maintain the proper strength.
Big Boat Bearings are resistant to deformation, but it is not advisable to leave heavy loads on any hardware when the boat is not sailing.
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Traveler Cars and Battcars
Keep cars clean by frequently flushing with fresh water. Periodically clean cars by squirting a detergent/water solution into the car’s ball races via the shackle slots. For Battcars, squirt underneath the car. Roll the car back and forth to distribute evenly, and then flush the bearings with fresh water. This maintenance is very important, particularly when the cars haven’t been in use. Clean the track with detergent and water. Or alternatively, a light machine oil such as 3-in-1. Use only a single drop in each ball race. Too much attracts dirt.
Frequently inspect shackles and control block fittings for signs of fatigue. Make sure every installation includes Harken track end stops. Arrange control tackles so cars do not hit the end stop under load.
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Headsail Handling
Keep furling units clean by flushing frequently with fresh water. Periodically clean the lower unit and the halyard swivel with detergent and fresh water to remove deposits of salt and dirt. Lubricants such as McLube®, dry Teflon® and dry silicone sprays which will not attract dirt may be used. Wash foils with soap and water. Foils may be lubricated with dry sprays to ease the raising and lowering of sails.
Inspect swage fittings, shackles and the lower turnbuckle assembly for signs of corrosion or fatigue.
Refer to the owner’s
manual
for detailed maintenance instructions.
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Winches
Winches should be flushed frequently with fresh water. Periodically break down winches and service. Check pawls and springs for signs of wear and inspect bearings, gears, and spindles for wear and corrosion.
Winches should be lubricated with grease, but overapplication of grease can cause salt and water deposits to become trapped in the winch. Use care to ensure that drain ports are unobstructed by sealants or grease. Pawls should be lubricated only with light oil.
Refer to the owners
manual
for detailed maintenance instructions.
Warning - Any use of Harken® equipment for human suspension must follow a safety factor of 10:1 safe working load to actual load. A secondary safety line of an equivalent safety factor ratio must also be used. We strongly advise that aloft rigging maintenance and installation be left to rigging professionals.
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Links:
Manuals:
http://www.harken.com/pdf/Manuals.php
Harken® Technical Service:
http://harken.com/Email/UKtechnicalservice.aspx
