Rope Clutch on a 23.5

[Al Beattie]

This year, I would like to replace the jam cleats on my 1994 23.5 with a rope clutch. I recall some former articles that mentioned this, but the search engine for this site leaves something to be desired and I can not find them.My one concern is that the main halyard will exit the clutch at an angle when led to the winch. Does anyone have an experience with this? I have only sailed on boats with clutches a couple of times and in those cases, the lines were led very fair to a winch.Thank you,Al Beattie

 

[Dave Condon]

Rope clutch

Al;You will note the location of the jam cleats. On the Hunter 23.5, there is essentialy a flat space on the top of the coach roof adjacent to the compaionway on both port and starboard. In that area, encapsulated into the fiberglass is a large aluminum plate. I found that this is the only area to add a rope clutch without muchfuss. Of course you will have to drill and tap.

 

[John Cooley]

I changed mine

This past winter I replaced the jam cleats on my 95 23.5, and it was one of the smartest additions I have made. Granted, the angle to the winch is a bit extreme, but it has not caused any problems thus far. One side benefit in my case; I had experienced a water problem that was impossible to locate. Apparently the source was the bedding under the two jam cleats I replaced, because my boat has not leaked a cupful since she was launched this spring, and the clutch was the only topside alteration we made to the boat. All in all, I would say buy a good clutch, and give the jam cleats to a fisherman to use as sinkers.Smooth Sailing,John Cooleys/v SeaThree

 

[Rick Webb]

Second Pair?

I have been toying with the Idea of putting cam cleats further aft for the jib sheets. Has anyone else tried this? I am reluctant to start putting holes in the boat without an idea of the best place to put the cleats. I was thinking of putting the on the rail far enough aft that I can reach them while holding the tiller.