Midship cleat

[Albanach]

Has anyone had experience using either a genoa track midship cleat or used the aft lower shroud chainplate as a midship attachment, as an aid to solo docking – which I do 99% of the time? As the track cleats are prohibitively expensive, I am considering the latter. Had also thought of the genoa lead car, but that may not be strong enough, even though it would probably give better leverage being further aft..

My biggest quandary is: past which stanchion to lead the outer line with the loop. With the inboard end lead ‘inboard’ to a winch, rather than tied to an ‘outboard cleat, the line will most likely stress one of the stanchions when coming alongside, if the line is lead too far aft or not far enough – depending on the angle of approach/coming alongside.

This problem would also exist with the factory issued track cleat via their spare parts.

Grateful for any advice, before I attempt some trials.

 

[rpwillia]

Got em - love em

I have the track cleats and while I used to have them up near the front with a spring line attached, I recently moved it to the rear of the track so I could use them while sailing to tie off my new Garhauer Genoa Car (2UB something) system. Seemed cheaper than $100.00 per side for their cam cleat solution.

If you look around you can usually find a pair for sale for under $100.00 for the pair as I recall. They are normally about $60.00 reach, but I know a guy who found a deal on some. They are nice to have.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Many resources

A good discussion was held here some time ago: http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=107562

Check the links in some of the posts I made, particularly Reply #15

You should be able to find a good place for a fair lead and not bang any of your stanchions, regardless of what course you choose for the cleat.

 

[rpwillia]

FWIW, On clearance at this site

Johnson track mounted folding cleat - 316 Stainless
Product info and photos (opens popup window) Fits 1.25 inch track, cleat is 8 inches long 980259-S $94.95 $49.00

 

[Albanach]

Re: FWIW, On clearance at this site

Thanks to all for your suggestions. As usual, they have been of great help. Am now convinced of a track mounted midship cleat, especially as, since drawing a few imaginary docking lines on a 310 hull outline, they appear to give least possibility of interference with stanchions. They will also give good lead back to winches.

Stu, thanks for the links – that plastic reinforced loop is an idea I have been looking for as I’m generally not good at lassoing anything.

rpwillia, appreciate the link to a good deal, however prefer to go with the Schaefer type cleat. Folding things usually fold on your fingers. As the Schaefers are close to US$ 100 each I might just buy one as they are easily moved to whatever side they are needed on (mainly used for fuel docking etc). Also, the AU$ dived somewhat today making it more expensive. May wait a week or so.

 

[rpwillia]

Let me check a little more on cleats

rpwillia, appreciate the link to a good deal, however prefer to go with the Schaefer type cleat. Folding things usually fold on your fingers. As the Schaefers are close to US$ 100 each I might just buy one as they are easily moved to whatever side they are needed on (mainly used for fuel docking etc). Also, the AU$ dived somewhat today making it more expensive. May wait a week or so.

No problem. The one link here, the cleat was a bit cheesy. I do know one guy who bought cleats (don't fold, but are nice and are track mount) and I will find out where he got his.