216 mainsheet cleat fix

[bmwbob]

With thanks to Ted Norris at Hunter, I pass along an easy, no-cost fix for that blasted upside-down mainsheet cleat.There is NO need to spend $70-plus for another mount bracket for the cleat.Your existing cleat can be inverted this way:1. Remove the two Nylock nuts from the bolts holding the cleat to the mounting bracket.2. Withdraw the two bolts, remove and set aside the fairlead, and the two black plastic spacer bushings. You won't be reusing these pieces.3. Reinsert the two bolts through the metal baseplate and cleats.4. Hold the cleat assembly with the cleats and the bolts facing upward, and the cleat jaws positioned so they can pivot outward, away from the block assembly.5. Insert the bolts through the bracket on the block assembly, and reinstall the two Nylock nuts removed earlier.That's ALL there is to it, and now you can uncleat the mainsheet via the usual jerk it upward movement.I have a picture Ted sent me on my home computer, and can forward that E-mail to anyone who needs it tonight.Bob CowgillCocoa, Florida

 

[Mr.Ernie]

I tried that but it didn't work very well for me in either light or very heavy air. I think it was because the cleat (and block) actually moves when the sheet is flipped up or down. Also found that much of the time I was having to set the sheet into the cleat with my foot. Let us know how you like it.

 

[bmwbob]

mainsheet cleat fix: sea trials

I sailed the 216 for 3 hours Saturday in both VERY light and brisker air and found no problem cleating or uncleating in either condition. I have the cleat angled up as far as it will go.Works great, takes all of 10 minutes to do (if you're as slow as I am!), and, best of all, costs NOTHING!YMMV! Bob Cowgill