Racelite sailboat hardware

[sparrow16]

Hi all,

Do any of you have any experience with Racelite hardware? (Racelite Southcoast - Stainless Steel Blocks, Tangs, Rudder Fittings, and More!)

I was thinking of using some of their products, specifically their cam cleats for my halyards that I'll be running aft this spring.

Thanks!

Christine

[mitiempo]

I've looked at the website and the equipment looks fine for your size of boat. It looks well made and apparently is all US made. Prices are good as well.

[sailingdog]

Hey Christine—

What kind of boat are you going to be using the hardware on? I am guessing that you own a Sparrow 16 pocket cruiser.

I would be a bit hesitant to use their gear, especially since the hardware doesn't give any specifications about materials used or safe working loads. Also, they don't mention what kind of bearings, if any, they use in their camcleats.

I would stick with a name brand on this—Harken, Schaefer, etc. For instance, you can get the Schaefer cam cleats for $16.55. They have a safe working load of 300 lbs...and aluminum cams and use ball bearings to ensure smooth movement.

[14432]

Racelite makes very good small boat shackles, goosenecks, turnbuckles, tangs and rudder fittings. They also make a lot of custom and semi-custom parts for one-design boats. Lightning builders have been using their stuff for years.

The blocks and cleats are inferior to Harken, Shaefer, etc. I do not believe that you will find any ball or roller bearings in the RL parts.

[sparrow16]

Thanks everyone.

Yes, I do have a Sparrow 16. It is a fun little boat!

You have confirmed what I had guessed about the Racelite hardware. I might use some of the blocks for some minor control lines but I won't be using their cam cleats.

Thanks!

Christine

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Hey Christine—

What kind of boat are you going to be using the hardware on? I am guessing that you own a Sparrow 16 pocket cruiser.

I would be a bit hesitant to use their gear, especially since the hardware doesn't give any specifications about materials used or safe working loads. Also, they don't mention what kind of bearings, if any, they use in their camcleats.

I would stick with a name brand on this—Harken, Schaefer, etc. For instance, you can get the Schaefer cam cleats for $16.55. They have a safe working load of 300 lbs...and aluminum cams and use ball bearings to ensure smooth movement.

[sailingdog]

Glad to help. Where do you sail your Sparrow?

[sparrow16]

My "home port" would be Moscow, ID. I sail in North Idaho, Lake Coeur d'Alene and the Snake river, but hope to get to Lake Pend d'Oreille too. Later, once I get some more time under sail with her (I've only had her for a couple seasons) I want to take her to the San Juans.

You should be able to find a picture of me with her in my profile.

Another owner has created a new discussion group just for us sparrow owners (www.sparrow-16.us). They are great little boats. Just big enough to overnight on with a cabin, porta-potty and simple galley but not too big to quickly rig and are easy to tow.

Fair winds!

Christine

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Glad to help. Where do you sail your Sparrow?