Waszp Upgrade Guide

The WASZP is a high-performance, single-handed dinghy that is surprisingly simple to rig. Although the setup is fairly straightforward, it’s crucial that all the systems run smoothly and efficiently. Well-functioning control systems will make the boat easier to handle and noticeably quicker on the water. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the upgrades you can make to improve the usability and overall performance of your WASZP.

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Waszp Upgrade Packs

Mainsheet System

Outhaul System

Cunningham System

Ride Height Adjuster

Miscellaneous

Waszp Upgrade Packs

Here is a list of our Waszp Upgrade Packs. The various system guides below provide more details about the items in these packs.

Mainsheet System

The mainsheet system is arguably the most important control system to have running smoothly on the WASZP. Without a traditional vang, the mainsheet can become extremely loaded, so using efficient blocks and a ratchet block with strong holding power can make all the difference between sailing for an hour or comfortably pushing on for two.

Mainsail Blocks

We highly recommend upgrading the blocks attached to the mainsail to high-load versions. These blocks reduce friction thanks to a stainless steel sheave that spins effortlessly on stainless steel ball bearings, making it much easier to pull in the mainsheet.

A2030TiiHL: 30mm Single High Load Dynamic Tii-On Block
This is a super noticeable upgrade. These blocks reduce friction thanks to a stainless steel sheave that spins effortlessly on stainless steel ball bearings, making it much easier to pull in the mainsheet.

Bridle Block

A2030TiiHL: 30mm Single High Load Dynamic Tii-On Block
This is a super noticeable upgrade. These blocks reduce friction thanks to a stainless steel sheave that spins effortlessly on stainless steel ball bearings, making it much easier to pull in the mainsheet.

Ratchet Block

Once you’ve pulled in the mainsheet, you want the ratchet block to provide plenty of grip to reduce strain on your arms. We have various options to suit your specific sailing style.

A2160: 60mm Pro-Ratchet
This is a switchable ratchet block, allowing you to turn the ratchet on or off with a switch manually. If you prefer a consistent feel on the mainsheet, this block is a great choice.

A2360: 60mm AutoRatchet
The ratchet mechanism automatically engages and disengages, making it ideal for the WASZP mainsheet. In lighter winds, when you need to pump the sail quickly to get foiling, the AutoRatchet disengages under lower loads, allowing the sheet to run freely. Once you’re up and foiling and trim the mainsheet on hard, the ratchet engages giving you a good holding power.

A21401: 40mm Pro-Ratchet
This is a switchable ratchet block, allowing you to turn the ratchet on or off with a switch manually. If you prefer a consistent feel on the mainsheet, this block is a great choice. It’s the smallest option we recommend and offers noticeable weight savings over the larger versions, while still providing strong holding power. This block works well with 6mm or 7mm mainsheets.

COMING SOON – Our new aluminium sheave ratchet blocks have been thoroughly tested on the Waszp over the last 12 months, they all work extremely well and offer further holding power over our standard plastic sheave ratchet blocks.

A2360A: 60mm AutoRatchet with Aluminium Sheave
We highly recommend this block. The ratchet mechanism automatically engages and disengages, making it ideal for the WASZP mainsheet. In lighter winds, when you need to pump the sail quickly to get foiling, the AutoRatchet disengages under lower loads, allowing the sheet to run freely. Once you’re up and foiling and trim the mainsheet on hard, the ratchet engages to provide exceptional holding power, thanks to the grippy aluminium sheave design.

A2345A: 45mm AutoRatchet with Aluminium Sheave
Perfect if you’re looking for a smaller ratchet block to save weight or if you run a thinner mainsheet. This block functions in the same way as the 60mm version, still offering excellent holding power in a more compact package.

Outhaul

There are multiple ways to rig the Outhaul system on the Waszp. It’s vital that whichever system you choose works well and efficiently, as this is a control that is used constantly. We offer two packs, both with high-load blocks to reduce friction and with precut lines to make rigging simple.

When choosing a purchase system, remember: the higher the purchase ratio, the easier it is to pull, but you’ll need to pull more rope to achieve the same amount of movement or tension.

Boom and Sail Outhaul Blocks

All of the below systems can be downgraded from High Load to Dynamic blocks if you want to save weight and reduce cost.

6:1 High Load Outhaul

A2024HL: 20mm Triple High Load Block
This block is used for both the boom and sail block in the 6:1 system. You can finish the purchase system by tying the end of the line to the strap of the block. This block features our Dynamic bearing technology and with the addition of the high load sheave it offers fast rolling speeds, low friction and high static loading capabilities.

5:1 High Load Outhaul

A2024HL: 20mm Triple High Load Block
A2022HL: 20mm Double High Load Block

In this setup, the A2024HL is attached to the boom, while the A2022HL connects to the sail. We recommend finishing the control line on the double block at the top by tying it to the block’s webbing strap.

4:1 High Load Outhaul

A2022HL: 20mm Double High Load Block
This block is used for both the boom and sail block in the 4:1 system. You can finish the purchase system by tying the end of the line to the strap of the block. This block features our Dynamic bearing technology and with the addition of the high load sheave it offers fast rolling speeds, low friction and high static loading capabilities.

Outhaul Cleat and Take Up

A.677: Small Allenite Cam Cleat
A plastic cam cleat which is class legal to upgrade the builder-supplied cam cleat. The soft opening of the jaw offers a nice smooth cleating and uncleating action. No holes or additional drilling is required to fit the cam cleat. This cam cleat should be paired with the A.397 Pro-Lead to help guide the line into the cleat.

A2020P: 20mm Plain Bearing Single Block
A simple plain bearing block mounted onto the vertical lacing eye below the flip-flop cleat. This block is just for the elastic take-up system to pull the Outhaul control line back to the centre of the boat. Can also be upgraded to a Dynamic block.

A..87-20: 20mm High Load Thimble
Attached to the front corner connector to create a lead to guide the take up inside the tramp. You may need to drill the hole in the corner connecter out slightly just to make it easier to get a new piece of line through.

Cunningham

The most important upgrade for the Waszp Cunningham is re-rigging the standard system so that the take-up runs along the outer wing bar. this stops the take-up block from catching on the toe straps and the various holes in the tramp, which can stop the system from working nicely. The Cunningham pack we provide includes take-up blocks and pre-cut lines to complete the system.

Cunningham Blocks

A2022HL: 20mm Double High Load Block
This block is attached to the mast via a shackle. This block features our Dynamic bearing technology and with the addition of the high load sheave it offers fast rolling speeds, low friction and high static loading capabilities.

A2024AHL: 20mm Articulating Triple High Load Block
Attached to the eye on the sail via a shackle. The individual blocks can articulate separately from each other so that each sheave can align perfectly to the line to reduce friction. This block features our Dynamic bearing technology and with the addition of the high load sheave it offers fast rolling speeds, low friction and high static loading capabilities.

Cunningham Cleats and Take-Ups

A.677: Small Allenite Cam Cleat
A plastic cam cleat which is class legal to upgrade the builder-supplied cam cleat. The soft opening of the jaw offers a nice smooth cleating and uncleating action. No holes or additional drilling is required to fit the cam cleat.

A2020P: 20mm Plain Bearing Single Block
A simple plain bearing block mounted to the rear corner connector to create a return for the elastic take-up. Can also be upgraded to a Dynamic block.

A2020: 20mm Dynamic Bearing Single Block
This Dynamic block is tied onto the end of the elastic take-up. The Cunningham control line runs through this block so it’s important the block runs freely.

Ride Height Adjuster

It’s super important that your RHA control works well. You want to be able to control it with minimal time and effort as this can distract from more important things. If the barrel isn’t spinning freely make sure the threads are well-oiled.

Tramp Blocks

The factory-supplied blocks on the tramp are plain bearing and can seize up with salt very easily. We recommend replacing these with dynamic blocks to allow the system to run more easily. The blocks on the tramp can easily be cut off with a pair of wire snips.

A2020: 20mm Dynamic Bearing Fork Block
Attached simply to the tramp via the clevis pin and split ring. We advise taping the split ring after installation to stop it from getting caught on the tramp. This block features our Dynamic bearing system for low friction.

A..87-20: 20mm High Load Thimble
Tie this thimble with a piece of elastic to the front wing bar on the starboard side. This will create a bit of tension in the system as well as give the RHA line a better lead from the barrel on the starboard side of the boat. You can also use a thimble under the push rod system, tied to the front wing bar hull connecter to create a better lead around the front of the compass bracket for the RHA line.

Miscellaneous

Toe Strap Limiter Line

We strongly recommend adding a limiter line to your toe straps. This simple addition can make a big difference to your time on the water. Without it, there’s a much higher risk that the sewn-in strap on the trampoline could tear through the tramp material, or worse, the plastic buckle could snap under load — both of which are likely to end in an unexpected swim!

The limiter line works by controlling the maximum upward movement of the toe strap, helping to protect the tramp from sudden overloading.

What you’ll need for this setup:

A..87-20: 20mm High Load Thimble
The Thimble is spliced into the limiter line, so you then have a nice smooth attachment point for your toe straps.

1100mm of 2mm Dyneema
We recommend Dyneema for its high strength and low stretch.

Rigging instructions:

Start by creating a loop of around 300mm around the front wing bar.

Position the thimble so it sits approximately 30mm away from the wing bar. This spacing helps to maintain the correct angle for the limiter line as well as stopping it from getting stuck on the tramp hole.

For reference, check out the images below to see how the limiter line should be rigged. Following this setup will give you peace of mind, knowing your toe straps are secure, even when you’re pushing hard on the water.

Accessories and Rope

A..71M: Lower Mast Mounted Aerovane.

Ball Stoppers: Various sizes. These can be tied into the RHA line and used as a calibration mark and something to grab hold of to make adjusting the line easier.

Rope and elastic: should you want to make up your own systems, we offer a small selection of various ropes and elastic which are more than suitable for rigging a Waszp.

More Waszp Content

Below you’ll find a bunch of content from our Team Allen Waszp sailors. A special thanks to Noah and Rossgo for a closer look at some of the systems they put together.

MORE FITTING GUIDES