How to set up cam cleats?

[Scott]

I want to install cam cleats just aft of the winches to cleat the jib sheets. The primary winches are 2-speed and are mounted about as far astearn as the wheel pedestal. Currently there are a pair of deck cleats mounted at the stern for the warps and I normally tie off the jib sheets there. There is also a pair of smaller cleats mounted on the backside of the combing but they are in a bad position because the bimini frame interferes. Also, they seem to be smaller than the right size for 7/16" sheet (that's the size of the sheets when I bought the boat and I'm not sure why they can't be 3/8"). So I don't use those cleats for anything.Based on experience, do fairleads in advance of the cleats aid or hinder? Does it make it nice to put them on a swivel base or does that hinder? My thinking is that when sailing with just one mate, the helmsman would cleat the sheet while the mate cranks the winch. With more than one mate, I want it to be simple for somebody ahead of the wheel pedestal to cleat the sheet. Searching for the right equipment on-line is difficult for me to understand what best suits my boat, so I want to be more knowledgeable when going to a retailer.Right now, it is really miserable trying to tie to a cleat either by the mate or the helmsman. We are not going to be racing, but being on a lake we are changing directions frequently!Thanks in advance for words of wisdom!

 

[David]

Cam cleats

IMHO, I would put cam cleats on a raised and possible angled (away from the winch) base so that the lead into the cleat from the winch is a bit more fair. I am assuming that the sheet as it comes off the winch is likely 3-4 inches above the top coaming surface which is why they need to be raised up.I would not put a fairlead on them only because I think it could be a hazard especially if you knot the ends of your sheets.My 2 cents!David

 

[Rich]

no swivel, and keep a horn cleat in the system

Using a cam cleat that way is reasonable and doable on a smaller boat. I would use a very large metallic one to get as much grip as possible, but would suggest you also have a horn cleat available parallel to or behind it for a safer anchor point in high winds. That's why I also wouldn't go with the swivel base for the cam; I would rather see the cam cleat firmly anchored to the coaming surface and its bolts backed with something solid on the underside (like Starboard or wood).The run from winch to cleat is very short and you shouldn't need any kind of fairlead if you position the cleat well.

 

[Bill C320 Papillon]

A different thought

Cam cleats are really handy but as you have already noted, getting them located just right for all occasions is problematic.On my last boat I had the same situation and wanted to do the same thing. I installed "Winchers" on my winches for about $40 and they completely solved the problem. Since they lock in anywhere around the top of the winch, you have a 360 degree entry angle so no matter where the person is that is doing the cleating, it is convenient. I never had a sheet slip out of the Wincher no matter what the winds and if I did not have self tailing winches on my current boat, I install them again.