Harken
ActiveOverview
Harken is a manufacturer of performance sailing hardware, including blocks, winches, travelers, headsail and mainsail handling systems, and hydraulics. It also produces safety and rescue equipment, gloves, sunglasses, luggage, and bags. The company operates factories in the United States and Italy, with distribution in 48 countries, and serves leading sailing teams, designers, and builders.12
History
Harken was founded in 1967 in the United States, with the company starting in 1968 by inventing the plastic recirculating ball bearing block and developing Olympic sailboats. It has grown into an employee-owned international manufacturer with factories in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, USA, and Limido Comasco, Italy. Key focus areas include technological leadership in sailboat hardware and expansion into safety and rescue equipment.12
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks (recirculating ball bearing) | high-performance sail control | $150 - $1,800 |
| Winches | manual and powered rope handling | $500 - $3,000 |
| Travelers | mainsail track systems | $400 - $2,500 |
| Headsail Handling (furler systems) | jib and genoa furling | $800 - $4,000 |
| Mainsail Handling | stacking and reefing systems | $600 - $2,200 |
| Hydraulic Systems | backstay and vang adjusters | $1,000 - $5,000 |
| Safety and Rescue Equipment | rope rescue gear | $200 - $1,500 |
Manufacturing
Harken manufactures at factories in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, USA, and Limido Comasco, Italy. The company is employee-owned and produces sailing hardware and related products in-house at these locations.12
Notable Products
- Plastic Recirculating Ball Bearing Block - Invented in 1968, foundational product for low-friction sail control.
- Carbo Blocks - Lightweight composite blocks for racing and cruising yachts.
- Espresso Winches - Compact, high-load manual winches for performance sailing.
- MKIV Furler - Modular headsail furling system used on racing boats.
- Cunningham Travelers - Low-friction track systems for mainsail control.
- Hydraulic Backstay Adjusters - Adjustable tension systems for rig tuning.
Reputation
Harken is regarded by sailing professionals and enthusiasts as a technological leader in blocks, winches, and deck hardware, favored by top racing teams and Olympic programs. Its products emphasize durability and low-friction performance in high-load conditions. Some users note higher prices compared to generic alternatives, though quality justifies the cost for competitive applications.12