I am installing a CDI furler on my 79 Oday 23. Any suggestions on the best placement for the furling line cleat? Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
Furler line cleat
- Thread starter rrichard
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Whatever you do, don't install it in front of a Gennie winch.
My 1986 O'Day 222 came through with the cleat mounted on the starboard side of the cabin close to the companionway bulkhead and I removed it shortly after I bought the boat new. Several years ago I bought a CDI FF-2 Roller Furler and didn't take into consideration where to mount the cleat for it. I only had enough line on the drum to mount it closer to the cabin so I mounted it on the combing between the bulkhead and the Gennie winch which was a big mistake. Every time I tacked, the Starboard sheet would get caught on the cleat as the Gennie was luffing and whipping the sheet from side to side.
Last year I removed the cleat and bought a used nylon jam cleat and a 4" Beckson Deck Plate and mounted the cleat near my stern rail. I was able to access the the nuts & washers through the deck plate that I mounted inside the fuel locker on the Starboard side. The deck plate also allowed access to my stern cleat which I never had access to.
For me, being a single hand sailor, having the furler control line close to the helm where I can reach it easy, is the place it should have been from the start.
The jam cleat is supposed to be mounted on and angle to the line in order for it to snub off the line with one turn, but there just isn't enough space on my combing. I found that I could get the line to snub off if I take the wrap CCW instead of CW as my line enters a single sheave on part of my stern rail which provide the needed angle for it.
I had used a small stainless steel Herreshoff horn cleat for my furler drum control line and later decided I wanted something faster and easier so I decided on using the jam cleat and I really like it. You can tie the line off on it at the end of the day in the same way as tying to a conventional horn cleat. Actually, I usually use a 3/16"X 20" braid line to secure my furled Gennie when I put her up on the mooring.
These jam cleats are a bit pricey but fortunately I was able to buy both the cleat and the deck plate at a marine consignment shop in Newport RI for only $7.00.
Right now, I'm contemplating on either adding on to the control line or replacing it with a longer line. It works, but it's supposed to have so many wraps on the drum according to the furler manual and it doesn't. It really isn't something that I really need to worry about right now.
So if you single hand, you would want to mount the cleat where you can reach it easy from the helm well in back of a winch.
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Is it just me or do others find the furler line laying on the deck to be a safety hazard? It is very easy to step on it and have it roll under foot. I have seen other arrangements where the turning block was nounted to the lifeline about half way up to remedy this. Not sure if this is a good idea due to strain it could place on stantion.
The easiest thing to do is route it OUTSIDE the lifelines. Johnson and others make either fairleads or blocks to install on the stanchions, some do not require removing the lifelines to install the gear.
I think it depends on shape of the combing of each individual boat. I really don't see that happening on my boat. My friend Wayne has the same set up on his Seaward 22. In fact, I copied his set up when I first looked at it.
Thanks for the info. I've been off the computer since I posted and have finally been able to review the great responses.
track cleat
I couldn't decide where I wanted the furler cleat on my O'Day 25 so I opted to get a cleat that attaches to the genoa track. So far I really like it as I can move it when needed. Plus I didn't have to drill any holes in the boat!
I think I got something like this one.
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|10391|292249|312057&id=92875
sPk
I couldn't decide where I wanted the furler cleat on my O'Day 25 so I opted to get a cleat that attaches to the genoa track. So far I really like it as I can move it when needed. Plus I didn't have to drill any holes in the boat!
I think I got something like this one.
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|10391|292249|312057&id=92875
sPk
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