An Epiphany on the Jam/Clam Cleat Problem

[Joe R]

I think I have stumbled across a possible resolution of the jam cleats/clam cleat problem on the hunter240. Rather than having the jib sheets spring lose at the most inopportune time, I have been using the winch and side cleats to adjust and hold my jib settings on either side. This works fine but does require the operator to get up and move to the winch when tacking.It dawned on me that the jam cleats or clam cleats must have worked for someone or no one would be building them for use the due to disappointing performance. While simply eye-balling the equipment, it dawned on me that the jam cleats need to be at the same level or slightly above the angle of feed of the jib sheet. On the hunter 240 the jib sheet is fed through a pullley which changes the direction from roughly vertical to horizontal. This feed off of the pulley is above the level of the jam cleat and that is why the line is easily sprung when a puff increases the load on the jam cleats. Rather than spending a minimum of $70 on a pair of cam cleats, one could simply use a stack of stainless washers and raise the jam cleats an inch off of the deck. This of course will probably require longer bolts than what is currently affixing the jam cleats.This should change the angle of pull on the jib sheet so that it "digs" into the "grabbing" area of the cleat. And the jib sheet should stay where we want it.Don't forget the 3M 5200 when exchanging the bolts.Let me know if anyone tries this before I do. I will report back on my own endeavors when I finally get around to it. (Which may be next spring) Joe a and

 

[Big T]

Use cam cleats with lifters

Heres what I did. first, install cam cleats with lifter blocks designed to the purpose. West Marine has them for Harken cams. Then, install a fairlead eye just forward of the cam. Buy longer bolts for the cams at West Marine. Drill through to the wood backing plate inside the cabin. (this can be viewed after removing the access panel inside). For the Fairlead, I think I simply used long SS screws of the appropriate gauge. Remember to use sealant for each hole. I simply used typical bath caulk. This approach is how Hunter should do it. It is excellant and trouble free, and makes the sail alot more pleasureful. Do it!.

 

[Jon Bastien]

Agree with Big T...

I agree with Big T about using the right part for the job - Use the risers designed for the purpose, rather than a stack of washers. It'll handle the strains better, and look better on the deck. They don't cost that much more, either. I also think that a fairlead forward of the cam cleat would help...--Jon Bastien

 

[Bill Welsch]

Go for theSpinlock rope clutch

If I am following what you are describing I'm not sure you gain all that much by making the cam (jam) cleat adjustments you guys are suggesting.For $70 (a fairly small investment for a $20,000 boat) I installed spinlock clutches in place of the dreaded cam cleats and they are amazing. I can adjust the foresail from anyplace in the cockpit with a flick of a wrist. Given how capricious the winds are on the lake where we sail, I could almost justify them as a safety feature (OK, a bit of a stretch, but sailors need to be creative when justifying improving their toys!)Keep us posted on how the elevated cam cleat works out.Bill Welschs/v Renewal

 

[Tom M.]

Spinlock rope clutch?

So Bill, how do you ease the jib if you're using a rope clutch? I can see trimming it, but easing it? Do you have to go to the clutch and flip to lever up to ease?

 

[Bill Welsch]

For Tom M: It's no sweat!

TomThe way the clutch works is that it is released when you flick the jib sheet up which releases the clutch and the sheet flows easily--a flick of the wrist to the down position secures the sheet in the clutch. Voila! It takes a quick flick of the wrist up and another one down to take in or take out just the slightest bit of genoa. Its great. And saves me from barking at my wife every other second to trim the jib!If you have a west marine in your area, go give the spinlock clutch a look see. Thats what finally made the decision for me.Good luckBill W.S/V Renewal