Harken
Harken 408 16mm Triple Ball Bearing Block
The Harken 408 16mm Triple Block is Harken's smallest triple block, engineered to provide maximum mechanical advantage in an ultra-compact, lightweight package. Designed for modern high-performance dinghies, skiffs, sports boats, and small keelboats, this triple block is ideal for creating efficient purchase systems where space and weight are critical.
Featuring three 16mm sheaves and Harken's patented stainless steel ball bearing system, the 408 delivers exceptionally low friction and smooth operation under load. The captive grooved bearing race keeps the bearings securely retained while providing reliable, maintenance-free performance in demanding marine environments.
The Harken 408 is designed for small synthetic control lines up to 5mm and is commonly used in vang, cunningham, outhaul, downhaul, traveller, and cascade purchase systems where high mechanical advantage is required in a compact layout.
Whether you're upgrading a racing dinghy or refining the sail controls on a performance yacht, the Harken 408 delivers the lightweight efficiency and proven reliability that Harken hardware is renowned for.
Key Features
- Genuine Harken Part No. 408
- Triple 16mm sheaves
- Patented stainless steel ball bearing system
- Captive grooved bearing race
- Compact lightweight design
- Extremely low friction
- Accepts rope up to 5mm
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Corrosion-resistant construction
- Maintenance-free operation
- Ideal for multi-purchase control systems
- Genuine Harken quality
The Harken 408 features a 16mm sheave diameter, 46mm overall length, accepts 5mm line, weighs 41g, has a 318kg maximum working load, and a 544kg breaking load.
Why Buy the Harken 408 from Barton Marine NZ?
At Barton Marine NZ, we stock genuine Harken sailing hardware trusted by New Zealand sailors for club racing, offshore sailing, and performance cruising. The Harken 408 is an excellent choice when maximum purchase and minimum weight are required in compact sail-control systems.
Perfect for:
- Racing dinghies
- Skiffs
- Catamarans
- Trailer yachts
- Cunningham systems
- Boom vang purchases
- Outhaul systems
- Downhaul systems
- Traveller controls
- Cascade purchase systems
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Harken |
| Part Number | 408 |
| Product Type | Triple Ball Bearing Block |
| Sheave Diameter | 16mm |
| Number of Sheaves | 3 |
| Becket | No |
| Maximum Rope Diameter | 5mm |
| Overall Length | 46mm |
| Weight | 41g |
| Maximum Working Load | 318kg |
| Breaking Load | 544kg |
| Bearing System | Stainless Steel Ball Bearings |
| Marine Suitable | Yes |
Published Harken specifications list a 16mm sheave, 46mm overall length, 41g weight, 5mm maximum rope diameter, 318kg maximum working load, and 544kg breaking load.
Common Applications
The Harken 408 is ideal for:
- Boom vang purchase systems
- Cunningham systems
- Outhaul purchases
- Downhaul controls
- Traveller purchase systems
- Cascade control systems
- Leech line controls
- High-performance dinghy rigging
- Small keelboat sail controls
- Custom purchase arrangements
Performance Benefits
The Harken 408 provides:
- High mechanical advantage in a compact block
- Extremely smooth, low-friction operation
- Lightweight rigging for improved performance
- Excellent durability in marine environments
- Reliable stainless steel bearing system
- Supports modern small-diameter high-strength rope
- Long service life with minimal maintenance
- Trusted Harken engineering
Its triple-sheave design allows sailors to build efficient 4:1, 5:1 or 6:1 purchase systems, depending on the rigging arrangement, while keeping overall system size and weight to a minimum.
