midship cleats

Terry Cox · Jan 23, 2015

The link below shows what I did to our P42 some years ago. Hope this helps.

http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...mid=267&cat_id=45&aid=7556&page=article&mn=42

Stu Jackson · Jan 23, 2015

splax said:
I am interested in hearing about the experience from those who have used this option on a similar sized boat.

Single Handing 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5445.0.html

Single Handing 101.1 Midship Cleats Pictures http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4921.0.html

Stu Jackson · Jan 23, 2015

Those links may have included this:

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5445.msg33766.html#msg33766

Terry Cox · Jan 23, 2015

Thanks. No toe stubbing as they are pretty much inline with the toe rail. Very happy with their performance. Huge difference in solo sailing when it comes to docking and casting off. The midship line is always the first when docking and the last when casting off.

I added a portable boarding step to help getting off and on the boat due to the high freeboard. Easy to make, very handy, inexpensive and stores out of the way on the life lines when underway.

http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...mid=267&cat_id=45&aid=7550&page=article&mn=42

JK_Boston_Catalina310 · Jan 24, 2015

We use the track mounted midship cleats. We have not found any issues so far except for an annoying squeak where the spring line rubs on the toe rail on windy nights. We have chafe protection there and have never had any line damage. We've ridden out two hurricanes with no issue. Hell. We had three nor'easters this year alone with winds in the 50-70 kts range. No issues with the cleat and I have closely inspected after each storm.

centerline · Jan 24, 2015

JK_Boston_Catalina310 said:
We use the track mounted midship cleats. We have not found any issues so far except for an annoying squeak where the spring line rubs on the toe rail on windy nights. We have chafe protection there and have never had any line damage. We've ridden out two hurricanes with no issue. Hell. We had three nor'easters this year alone with winds in the 50-70 kts range. No issues with the cleat and I have closely inspected after each storm.

I agree..
The midship cleats attached to the track is as good as anywhere else... and much better than some ive seen

the pressure that is created in a springline by surge is a "shear" force, so assuming the track was mounted properly, and you use it as it it supposed to be used, there is very little chance of any damage.

Even a properly mounted deck cleat can sustain catastrophic damage if takes too much load in the wrong direction for too long of time.

As for the squeeking of the lines or chafing gear as it rubs the rail (including fenders) we have a spray bottle containing a solution of dawn dishsoap and water (about a tablespoon per pint) and when a line or fender starts squeeking, i wet the squeek area with the solution... it cures the problem even after it dries, or til the soap "lubricant" washes away...

George Da Porge · Jan 24, 2015

splax said:
Can anyone suggest a source or brand of track mounted cleat for the H34 that fits on the jibsheet car track?

Here's a link to Defender for Schaefer track mounted cleats. http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|2259971|2259991&id=92875
We have them on our Catalina 30 and they work great.

woodster · Jan 24, 2015

has any body used these http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|2259971|2259991&id=80333

centerline · Jan 25, 2015

splax said:
Can anyone suggest a source or brand of track mounted cleat for the H34 that fits on the jibsheet car track?

Presumably, you have a 1.25" track... google 1.25 midship cleat.... see what happens.

JK_Boston_Catalina310 · Jan 25, 2015

George Da Porge said:
Here's a link to Defender for Schaefer track mounted cleats. http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1%7C2259971%7C2259991&id=92875 We have them on our Catalina 30 and they work great.

These are the ones we have too.

Black Pearl · Jan 26, 2015

Terry that is sharp looking and a nice install.....I have a 35.5 and no midship cleats has always bugged me for many reasons....the biggest being to have all of the lines going to just two cleats for and aft.....
Thanks for the pics and info!

Terry Cox · Jan 26, 2015

Black Pearl

Thank you and you are most welcome. I used a bayonet saw to cut out the section of toe rail, smoothed with a hand file, then enlarged the two existing toe rail bolt holes for the larger cleat bolts. Best boat improvement ever.

Black Pearl · Jan 26, 2015

By sharp looking I meant classy and factory like not cut your fingers sharp! Rereading my post it didnt come off that way......it may be on my list of improvements.

neilleparkerjr · Jan 27, 2015

Black Pearl said:
By sharp looking I meant classy and factory like not cut your fingers sharp! Rereading my post it didnt come off that way......it may be on my list of improvements.

I solved the problem a different way on my 37.5 which works well when I singlehand her, which is typical. At my dock I ran a length of nylon line stretched tight from piling to dock on each side of the boat and parallel to it. To this line at a location adjacent to the point of the boat's maximum beam, I attached a sturdy stainless steel carabiner good for several thousand pounds. So when I am gliding into the slip I just clip the windward carabiner onto the toe rail and can then make all other connections at my leisure. Admittedly it doesn't help when I tie up to a different dock, but it sure makes for easy docking at mine!

Dave Groshong · Jan 27, 2015

Now in stainless, this cleat is really solid!

http://shop.hunterowners.com/hp/part.php?m=34&c=8&p=52305

Stu Jackson · Jan 27, 2015

neilleparkerjr said:
I solved the problem a different way on my 37.5 which works well when I singlehand her, which is typical. At my dock I ran a length of nylon line stretched tight from piling to dock on each side of the boat and parallel to it. To this line at a location adjacent to the point of the boat's maximum beam, I attached a sturdy stainless steel carabiner good for several thousand pounds. So when I am gliding into the slip I just clip the windward carabiner onto the toe rail and can then make all other connections at my leisure. Admittedly it doesn't help when I tie up to a different dock, but it sure makes for easy docking at mine!

Maybe I'm missing something, but doesn't this require two people? One at the helm and one at midships to catch the carabiner.

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