My catalina 30 has the original Lewmar rope clutches for the halyards and mainsheet. I'm thinking of replacing the rope clutch for the mainsheet to a cam cleat to make it easier to trim the main while single-handing. Because the clutch fitting is also shared with the main halyard, I'd end up having to change that, too. Has anyone done this, and if so, are they happy with the results? Any general advice? I'm considering using Harken model 150 or 280. They have a maximum load of 500 ld. Does that should sufficient?
Changing from rope clutch to cam cleats
- Thread starter Alex20529
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Alex: I've always used cam cleats both for the mainsheet and the traveler. Additionally, I extended the lines for the traveler (the mainsheet was already long enough) back to the helm so I could handle them easier. All I had to do was "flick" the lines to release them and make the necessary adjustment. Why I went to this setup was out of necessity. Usually, when we sail it is just my wife and myself. If the boat heeled over, I would ask her to take the wheel while I went to adjust the sail trim controls. Her response was "I'll take the wheel when you get the boat level". Sort of a catch 22 - how am I supposed to get it level if I don't leave the wheel!! With the ability to adjust the controls from the helm, my sailing life was a lot easier. I have pictures of this setup. Tomfoolery (another lister) has tried to help me post pictures but I'm too stupid to figure it out.I don't know how to get them out of the Kodak file they are in and on to this site. If you send me your email address at yankee3223@juno.com I can forward them to you. I do know how to do that!! I'm much better at sail trim than I am with computers.
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