Jib Cleat Back Pain

[sroberts Capri 22]

Has anyone with an older Capri 22 ventured to move their jib sheet cleats to prevent passenger back pain? My cleats are worn and need to be replaced and I was thinking it'd be great to relocate them if possible, perhaps replacing them with dual cam style cleats. I don't think the same setup as the newer boats can be used since the winch location appears to be slightly different.

Steve

 

[Piper Capri 22]

I haven't removed my jam cleats, but I did add cam cleats aft of the winches. They do work, but also pose an impediment to sitting on the rail there! Sitting on one isn't fun. I would also say that I thought I'd use them more than I do. Being aft of the winches they are useful if the wind is light enough for me to trim by hand. If it's strong and I need some turns on the winch and/or the winch handle, the cam cleats are a bit of a pain to get the jib sheet into. It seems easier to me to jam it into that jam cleat. If you think of how you trim those sheets you are likely like me - kneeling or crouching facing the winch. The cam cleat then is off to one side and you need a lateral movement with your hand to get it in versus a downward tug to get it in the jam cleat. If you remove the jam cleat I would suggest adding a line stopper to the top of the cam cleat this would make it easier to get the sheet between the cams and keep it in place. But that arrangement would preclude easy cross sheeting which I sometimes like to do as well when singlehanding (which is most of the time).

So, my basic point is it can be done just be sure to mount with a fair lead and a riser under the cam cleat. My cam cleats are useful/useable, but if that's all you have you'll lose some functionality/convenience IMO and instead of stabbing your back you might stab your butt! On the other hand I know having a jib sheet let go because it is popping out of a jam cleat is annoying too!

 

[sroberts Capri 22]

Piper, thanks for the feedback. I think I'll leave well enough alone.

Steve

 

[shnool]

This is an interesting thread to me, as the Capri 25 and Capri 22 have the same arrangement... I disliked it on the 22, and it's worse on the 25, as the clams are raised even MORE prominently..

Only picture I can find is here:

Of course I want maximum high-side seating... but easy access to the winches for single handing... I cross sheet a lot (as I single hand a lot)... My thoughts were to move the winches back (and replace them with Self tailers), but also keep the clams, and again put them vertical on the seat back, but since it's next to the traveler it really won't be in anyone's way.

I just don't know if this will just frustrate crew when I have them and make MORE of a pain or not.