Jib sheet cleat/winch arrangement

[umphrey1012]

Hi all, I recently purchased a 1983 Hunter 27 and am trying to figure out how some of the lines are run. On both sides of the cockpit, the arrangement is horn cleat, jib sheet winch, spinnaker winch and horn cleat (picture attached). The fore cleat is labeled as the jib sheet cleat, but that seems odd to me? I had expected it to be behind the sheet winch, but that is apparently for the spinnaker.

Is this a normal arrangement? I haven't been on a lot of boats and have only used self-tailing winches before so haven't worried about cleat placement.

 

[Jackdaw]

The forward cleat and the aft winch are add-ons. As you suspect, I'd guess for spin sailing. But that's odd, normally spin winch is BIGGER than a genoa winch. Anyway, that's why it seems weird.

 

[umphrey1012]

So stock it would've used that aft cleat for the jib sheet? That seems easier to manage to me, I don't know that I'll be running with the spinnaker that much.

If I did want to use the forward cleat, would you recommend running a block to somewhere aft of the winch and that'd put the cleat behind the winch like normal, only it seems like it'd be a pain.

I tried to test it out using a sheet coming in at a normal angle and it seemed really awkward to try and use the winch and wrap around the cleat in front of it.

 

[Nereussailor]

It looks like you already have a block for the spinnaker just aft of the Bimini frame. I'm not sure if the angle is right but the sheet should come through the block, then up to the small winch and then to the forward cleat. The small winch looks like it would be in the way of the jib sheet when cleating it to the aft cleat. Looks like an odd set up, but could just be the camera angles.

 

[umphrey1012]

It looks like you already have a block for the spinnaker just aft of the Bimini frame. I'm not sure if the angle is right but the sheet should come through the block, then up to the small winch and then to the forward cleat. The small winch looks like it would be in the way of the jib sheet when cleating it to the aft cleat. Looks like an odd set up, but could just be the camera angles.

Yeah, it's a bit confusing as the forward cleat is labeled 'jib sheet' so there is no doubt what it's supposed to be used for but I don't see how it'd work. I haven't sailed this boat yet so I'll speak with the previous owner about what he did (he didn't do the hardware install).

 

[braol]

I guess there's nothing to prevent you from using a cleat that's in front of a winch, but its an odd thing. I'd suggest taking the boat for a sail first to get a feel for how your existing equipment works and feels. You'll very quickly get a feel for what is awkward with the existing set-up. I agree with Jackdaw that the aft winch and foreward cleat are the add-on parts. Again try everything out in various combinations and then eliminate the rest. In the end you'll have and extra winch or two (same set-up on other side?) to mount to the cabin-top if/when you choose to run your hailyards and such aft.

PS That fore cleat, if it is indeed an add-on, looks very professionally done.

PPS When you get into the nuts and bolts of those winches and cleats, take a look at the area on the other side of the fiberglass to make sure that there are good backing plates installed...

 

[inarathree]

Now, I was taught to never use a cleat for the jib/geneoa sheets, as you can't release them quickly enough in an emergency. Cam cleats only, or self tailing winch.

Don't know about for a spinnaker as I have never used one.

 

[justsomeguy]

Sheets on those jam cleats can be released with the flick of a wrist.

At least, mine can be.

 

[Chief RA]

justsomeguy is right. The problem is people tend to wrap after jamming! Chief

 

[DianaOfBurlington]

I agree with JustSomeGuy and Chief RA here. I am considering moving my winches aft on the coaming, to make it easier to sit there when leaning out (sailing solo, mine is the only weight available). This would mean putting the cleats forward of the winches. Still undecided about this; but it'll be decided before the season starts.

 

[DianaOfBurlington]

BTW, in the pic, it looks like a line led round the turning block will foul the cleat, making it difficult to tie there and nigh impossible to release... on this side, the port side being a little better. Remember winches are always clockwise-- there are no lefthanded winches. So their turning always has to be taken into account when placing them.