Securing the Jib Sheets...

[Team118]

I've done some searched, but the words are too common for the search engine.

Currently, my jib sheets are tied down on a regular cleat after turns on the winch. I removed the cleats because I intend to create some stainless steel backing plates for all the cleats.

When I had my 22' Catalina the jib sheets were secured by cam cleats. This was great when changing tacks.

Is it wise to switch to cam cleats for the Catalina 30? I'm thinking that most of the load from the jib is borne by the winch and the current cleat just secures the sheet. Would a cam cleat be ok, I liked the ability to release the sheet quickly and to do much of the work from the wheel.

Obviously the 30 requires more muscle to bring in the job.

Thanks
Chris

 

[Bad Obsession]

I would imagine that if you got the right cam cleat it would be fine. Remember that the cam cleat would be there to simply keep the rope from going backwards on the winch.

I have self tailing winches on my boat and they use a similar principle to the cam cleat. Think of it, the majority of the load on the sheets is on the winch. You are just simply holding the sheets into place with the cleats. That is why you can tail the sheets with one hand if you are tailing the sheets.

 

[Don Guillette]

Team118: Since I have no choice I have to assume you take wraps on the cleat. It is not a good idea for a couple of reasons and the first is what Bad Obsession indicated - it isn't necessary. I had WINCHERS on my boat, which worked fine for me since I did not have self tailing winches. If there was a lot of pressure on the sheet I would take ONE loose wrap on the cleat which locked the sheet. You have to have the ability to cut the jib sheet quickly should the need arise abd a cleated sheet takes too much time to fool with. Personally, I would not waste my money on cam cleats - going back to Bad Obsession - they are unnecessary.

 

[Team118]

I do take wraps on the clear while sailing. I don't have self tailing winches, so this is the only way to hold the sheet from 'going backwards on the winch'.

Being a beginner with a larger sail area, this does create troubles when the winds are high in my mind. Having to unwrap the cleat before letting one side out as I'm reigning in the other side can get sticky.

I thought using a cam cleat on a standard winch would be ok. I just don't want to install cam cleats and have them shred the sheets or get caught in a wicked cross wind and have the loads rip the cam cleats out...

The only reason I am asking is due to past experience. On my Catalina 22, the jib sheets ended in cam cleats and this was perfect.

When I switched to the 30 the jibs relied on standard cleats. I've always felt using standard cleats are a negative in the event of a big blow and I needed to release the lines...standard cleats would slow this process down.

I honestly don't know the answer....

 

[Don Guillette]

Team118: Next time you're on the water try this. Start off as if you were going to take a wrap on the cleat. Go around the back horn of the cleat and bring the line under the front horn so it is now laying on the sheet. What you are doing is jambing it into the front of the cleat. I wish I could explain it better but once you try it you'll see how secure it is and very easy to get loose.

 

[Bad Obsession]

If the wind comes up reduce sail. I roll in my jib when it gets windy and if it is higher I will go down to my 100% that I carry.

If you carry to much sail the boat is overpowered and no fun to sail.

 

[Team118]

I'm not exactly sure what you mean. I've got the cleats off my boat and a buddy just made some backing plates for them.

When I get them back tomorrow, I'll try to recreate what you're saying and take a picture.

Appreciate the help Don, if I get what you're saying that will save me from buying cam cleats and resolve my issue of 'over securing' the sheet!

Thanks!