Quality of Ronstan hardware?

[Capt Hook]

I have to replace a preventer.
I looked on Defender and the appropriate size Schaefer unit sells for $529.99.
They also list a Ronstan, from Australia, unit for $379.95.
I am not familiar with Ronstan. Any info or comments on the quality of Ronstan hardware would be appreciated.

[Jim Walsh]

I have to replace a preventer.
I looked on Defender and the appropriate size Schaefer unit sells for $529.99.
They also list a Ronstan, from Australia, unit for $379.95.
I am not familiar with Ronstan. Any info or comments on the quality of Ronstan hardware would be appreciated.

https://www.garhauermarine.com/

Garhauer makes some great hardware at a competitive price. There’s nothing wrong with Ronstan, Schaefer, or Harken.....you pretty much get what you pay for.....quality is expensive.

[John Stone]

I have to replace a preventer.
I looked on Defender and the appropriate size Schaefer unit sells for $529.99.
They also list a Ronstan, from Australia, unit for $379.95.
I am not familiar with Ronstan. Any info or comments on the quality of Ronstan hardware would be appreciated.

I’m not impressed by Ronstan. I agree Schaefer is expensive. It’s strong though. Some of their hardware seems better made than others. I have had some rust issues with Schafer SS and corrosion on their aluminum. But the stuff last a long time. For the money I think there is better hardware out there.

Harken is excellent. Antal if you can afford it, impresses me—I have an Antal 6:1 mainsheet and traveler system that is outstanding. But I got a great deal on it. Some of the Lewmar blocks seem very good and were highly rated by PS. I have two Lewmar snatch blocks and I’m happy with them so far.

I’ve never had any Garhauer but I know a lot of sailors say it’s a great value. I think PS gave it good marks.

I always keep my eyes open at marine consignment shops. Sometimes I score a really nice block for a good price.

If you plan to use a multipart vang-preventer like I do on the Far Reach it needs to be very strong. As far as I’m am concerned it’s life support equipment. So whatever you decide get the best you can afford for something like that.

While I was in the Caribbean a local guy on a 37’ sloop was killed sailing in the ICW right here in Swansboro, NC during an accidental gybe. He was the owner skipper. I think he had his OUPV Captain License. The boom is a killer.

[bottomscraper]

I have been very happy with everything I have purchased from Garhauer. It's well built and a good value. The blocks tend to weigh a bit more than the equivalent Schaefer or Harken so most of the racing crowd don't use them. You may want to consider assembling your own so you can purchase your favorite line.

https://www.garhauermarine.com/catalogs ... lt/?q=vang

[Capt Hook]

Thank all of you for your comments.

[Capt Hook]

I have been very happy with everything I have purchased from Garhauer. It's well built and a good value. The blocks tend to weigh a bit more than the equivalent Schaefer or Harken so most of the racing crowd don't use them. You may want to consider assembling your own so you can purchase your favorite line.

https://www.garhauermarine.com/catalogs ... lt/?q=vang

Apparently Garhauer does expect me to assemble the vang myself.

Their website shows a fully assempled vang/preventer with the line attached to a becket with an eye splice and the line run through the various blocks.

I received my order (two vangs) yesterday and the box contained four pieces of hardware and two lengths of line. I guess they expect me to tie the line to the becket and run the lines. I wouldn't mind running the lines through the blocks but I was expecting the line to be attached to the becket with an eye splice. I've told them I'm not satisfied with what they shipped.

[Jim Walsh]

I have been very happy with everything I have purchased from Garhauer. It's well built and a good value. The blocks tend to weigh a bit more than the equivalent Schaefer or Harken so most of the racing crowd don't use them. You may want to consider assembling your own so you can purchase your favorite line.

https://www.garhauermarine.com/catalogs ... lt/?q=vang

Apparently Garhauer does expect me to assemble the vang myself.

Their website shows a fully assempled vang/preventer with the line attached to a becket with an eye splice and the line run through the various blocks.

I received my order (two vangs) yesterday and the box contained four pieces of hardware and two lengths of line. I guess they expect me to tie the line to the becket and run the lines. I wouldn't mind running the lines through the blocks but I was expecting the line to be attached to the becket with an eye splice. I've told them I'm not satisfied with what they shipped.

There are those who would prefer to use a knot so the line can be easily end-for-ended, and those who find the price so attractive (about 1/3 of the cost of a competitors product) that the lack of an eye splice has a negligible impact on their choice of a supplier. Learning to splice doublebraid can be a valuable skill for future use.
I do feel that if you are not satisfied, then returning the item is the best move.

[Capt Hook]

I have been very happy with everything I have purchased from Garhauer. It's well built and a good value. The blocks tend to weigh a bit more than the equivalent Schaefer or Harken so most of the racing crowd don't use them. You may want to consider assembling your own so you can purchase your favorite line.

https://www.garhauermarine.com/catalogs ... lt/?q=vang

Apparently Garhauer does expect me to assemble the vang myself.

Their website shows a fully assempled vang/preventer with the line attached to a becket with an eye splice and the line run through the various blocks.

I received my order (two vangs) yesterday and the box contained four pieces of hardware and two lengths of line. I guess they expect me to tie the line to the becket and run the lines. I wouldn't mind running the lines through the blocks but I was expecting the line to be attached to the becket with an eye splice. I've told them I'm not satisfied with what they shipped.

There are those who would prefer to use a knot so the line can be easily end-for-ended, and those who find the price so attractive (about 1/3 of the cost of a competitors product) that the lack of an eye splice has a negligible impact on their choice of a supplier. Learning to splice doublebraid can be a valuable skill for future use.
I do feel that if you are not satisfied, then returning the item is the best move.

I owe them an apology. After several emails back and forth they told me an eye splice was tucked into the end of the line that was not visible. They also went through how to put the kit together. I was so surprised when I opened the box and didn’t find the vang all assembled as shown on their website that i didn’t take a close look at the bits and pieces.

[tjr818]

I am very glad to hear that, Garhauer has ALWAYS treated me fairly and I am very pleased with their products. Thanks for posting the update.