H-23.5 and Cam Cleats

[Marty Warble]

I'm interested in installing cam cleats for the jib sheets on my H-23.5 and was hoping for some valuable input. I've searched the archives for similar topics and found a small discussion on the inconvenience of the jam cleats for single-handed sailing, which I've discovered, thus this post. I've already purchased Harken 150 Cam Cleats w/ Fairleads and had planned to install them on the rail about mid-cockpit, maybe a little forward. Has anyone else done this? Theoretically it works for me. Does this sound like a really bad idea to anyone else? If no one seriously objects to my placement of the cleats, I'd then like to ask what's the best way to secure them. The packaging recommends #10 fasteners. The store where I purchased the cleats recommended #10 fasteners with nuts and washers, but I found I have no practical way of getting underneath the rail to install the nuts and washers.Will just plain screwing the cleats into the rail be enough to hold the cleats?Any detailed info on this topic would be greatly appreciated.Thanks,Marty

 

[Ken Shubert]

Long arms needed

My GPS antenna is mounted up under the rail further aft but it's not possible to reach very far foward. You really should have a backing plate under thecam cleats too, even though the forces are mainly forward. Maybe it would be possible to glue a 3" X 8" X 1/8" aluminum plate under the rail by pushing it up with a pole or something. Then you could drill and tap it from the top. It would really be nice to have a small, self tailing winch on each rail but cam cleats are a big improvementKenS/V Wouff Hong.

 

[Rick Webb]

About to do the same

I have been thinking along the same lines as have you but have not gone as far as buying anything to do it. What I have considered is to buy inspection plates to put inside on the headliner and to place a back up for the cleats. I guess the same would work to add winches as well. I am looking forward to hearing how it goes. Let us know.

 

[Dave Condon]

Installation

Marty;Embedded into the fiberglass is a thick aluminum plate which the screw holes were drilled and tapped. Simply remove the jam cleat and place the cam cleat in the same area. Suggest that if you are too far from the area, first drill with a small bit and see if you drill into metal underneath. Once you have drilled and tapped, liberally caulk the area with either 5200 or silicon and also the holes for the jam. Once on, clean the excess caulk with either acetone or mineral spirits. good luck and happy sailing

 

[Ken Shubert]

Plates? Don't think so.

There are plates under the stern rail of a Catalina 22 for winch mounting but I don't think Hunter had that in mind on the H23.5. If you do find plates under the stern rail..... let us all know. Hunter put nice thick plates under the winches and jam cleats inside the cabin roof. That's where I mounted my nice new Spinlocks!KenS/V Wouff Hong

 

[Bill Couture]

Cam Cleats

I installed Harkin 150 cleats on the aft end of the teak foot pads on either side of the cockpit w/ a small wedge. This kept me from drilling into the boat, is easy to release and keeps the jib sheet out of the way. It has been this way all summer and have not had a problem.

 

[Dave B.]

Cam cleats ??? Placement of.

I have placed VERY large cam cleats on the balk head, at the very topon both sides ------- ----------- ----------- + / + / / ----------------/This is where they are, ( + ) as you look forward from the tiller , into the hatch way, I hope this is clear, I race my boat, and fine this works good!! Call if you need more imfo.Dave B. 402 467 1539