Harken Element Blocks

The Harken Element Range of Plain Bearing Blocks is a testament to the research, experience, and expertise of the Harken Design Team. These versatile blocks are robust and hardworking and are designed in a contemporary style. With Harken, you can trust that you're investing in a product that will deliver the performance you need.

Harken designed the Element block range to provide discerning cruising sailors with a reasonably priced, top-quality block that would withstand corrosion and keep rolling longer than other brands.

The Harken Element Range of Blocks was in development and testing for almost 2 1/2 years before it was deemed ready to market. The result is an efficient, smooth-running range of blocks with Harken's globally recognised quality and a contemporary look while maintaining the desired value price point.

Blocks at a similar price may employ plastic side plates surrounding an internal metal yoke. Harken utilises forged aluminium because it is much stronger than plastic or cast aluminium.

Harken used the forging process to shape the aluminium side plates into compound curves, making the blocks stronger and longer lasting. The side plates are cleverly designed to protect the tough fibre-reinforced composite nylon sheave and proven journal plain bearing system.

Harken Element Blocks are offered in multiple configurations and sizes:

Harken Element Blocks come in singles, doubles, triples, fiddles, cams and foot blocks in 45mm, 60mm, and 80mm sheave diameters, with recommended line diameters of 8mm up to 16mm

Harken Element double and triple blocks are perfect for building 4:1 and 6:1 winch-driven mainsheet systems.

Harken Element blocks can also be used in cascaded backstay systems, mast base applications for leading halyards and any application where weight and ball bearing high speed rolling efficiency aren't the primary concern.

All Harken Element blocks feature a removable head post lock that allows the shackle to operate with a fixed head in either direction for alignment or a full swivelling capability.

Harken Element Plain Bearing Blocks - Outstanding Features:

• Side Plates: aluminium with hardcoat anodising
• Side Plates: forged with compound curve design for enhanced strength
• Sheaves: machined from tough, fibre-reinforced nylon composite
• Bearings: Proven journal system on a stainless steel axle.
• Cam Assembly: Versatile, multiple angle adjustment and locking system
• Cam-Matic Cleat: adjustable by 180 degrees to facilitate upward or downward release action
• Shackle Head: multi-functional head post alignment and rotation lock - fixes shackle in line, at 90 degrees or in a full swivelling mode

Element Blocks - Frequently Asked Questions with Answers from Harken

Why did Harken develop the Element block line?
It fulfils a demand. Many cruisers, casual racers and day sailors had asked us to design a line of reasonably priced, quality blocks that would withstand corrosion and work well for a long time. Element is for them.

Did Harken build a value-priced block patterned on what was already out there? Is Element a completely new solution or an outgrowth of a previous design?
Harken engineers brought all their experience to the project. They started with a clean piece of paper to solve Element's specific design challenge. The Element range was in development and testing for almost 2 1/2 years before it was deemed ready to market.

What were the core requirements?
An efficient, smooth-running range of blocks with Harken's quality and a contemporary look that will last and meet the necessary competitive price point in the value-for-money marketplace.

How does Element differ from other value blocks?
Sideplates are forged hard coat-anodised aluminium. Most blocks available at a similar price employ plastic side plates surrounding an internal metal yoke. Harken chose forged aluminium because it is much stronger than plastic or cast aluminium.

What are the benefits of forging?
Forging allows us to shape the aluminium side plates into compound curves, making the blocks stronger and longer-lasting. The side plates protect the strong fibre-reinforced sheave and proven bearing system.

Do Elements look like Harken blocks?
Yes. They have the sleek contemporary look Harken is known for. Plus, they work well. They're also hard-coated and pad-printed identically to Harken's high-end blocks. Element blocks will withstand abrasion and UV for a long time.

What block configurations are in the Element line?
Elements are offered in singles, doubles, triples, fiddles, cams and footblocks in 45, 60, and 80mm sizes. They accept lines from 8-16 mm.

Can Element blocks be used in a winch-driven mainsheet system?
Yes. Element double and triples are perfect for building 4:1 and 6:1 winch-driven mainsheet systems.

Can I buy an Element Block with a cam?
Yes, 45mm and 60mm blocks have variants with cams and metal arms for strength.

Which size of Element blocks should I choose for my boat? 45mm blocks (typical boat length 22-28'), 60mm blocks (typical boat length 29-34'). Please speak to the Jimmy Green team for further details.

Where else can Element blocks be used?
Cascaded backstay systems, kicker systems, mast base applications for leading halyards and any application where a purchase system can be used where light weight and high-end efficiency are not the primary concern.

Do Element shackle blocks swivel?
Yes, they feature a removable head post lock that allows the shackle to operate as a swivel or fixed in either direction to align with the line's path.

Harken: Why we made Element

Harken Element Blocks: By Sailors, For Sailors

All about Element Blocks - Harken Tech Team Asked and Answered Video