Main Sheet

[BoulderDon]

We just bought a 1985 Hunter 31 and we're curious about the routing of the main sheet. Right now it runs through the dog house and into a clutch. There is no way to quickly release the main sheet - you have to release at the clutch. This seems a dangerous layout to me and I'm considering replacing the clutch with a cam cleat. The jib sheet does also run through the left leg of the clutch so I'll have to reroute it.What is typical on other Hunters? Dons/v Sunday SilenceCape Coral, FL

 

[Pizzazz18268]

The system is fine. If you release the clutch full forward the main sheet will run free. You should be using your traveler more.Dennis

 

[Rubicon 1983-31]

Same setup - works fine

I've got the same setup on my 83 Hunter 31 and never had any problems releasing this line.

 

[BoulderDon]

Thanks for the comments. In other boats I've sailed you could release the boom with a simple pull to open the cam - particularly important if you have too much wind and need to release the sail immediately. Sort of the emergency brake or panic button to get the horsepower off of the sails quickly. With the clutch design someone has to move forward and put a hand on it, it cannot be done from behind the wheel.But then maybe I just have short arms!