Hard to set jib cleats

[Sean McGuire]

I am a new DSII owner and find the jib cleats to be a real pain to set or release. I have read about other captains either bending the cleats or replacing them with blocks and putting cleats on the CB trunk. I was wondering if anyone had found a replacement cleat that is easier to set and release from the stern (for single-handed sailing). The other options seem somewhat drastic to me.

Thanks,

Sean McGuire

1984 DSII IONA

[Roger]

On my DS II the jib sheets run inside the shroud to a turning block on a jib track, just inside the coaming, then to cam cleats atop the cb trunk. The two links below show the overview and detail.

http://groups.msn.com/RogerConrad/shoeb ... hotoID=195

http://groups.msn.com/RogerConrad/shoeb ... hotoID=197

http://groups.msn.com/RogerConrad/shoeb ... hotoID=196

The jib sheet is released by an upward tug, and the mainsheet is released by a downward tug. I keep both sheets in my lap or forward hand while sailing solo. In an unmanageble (read scarey!) gust or blow, I tug up or down to depower either one of the sails or do a quick up and down tug to release both. Last weekend, I decided to see how far things could go before they got out of hand, so I left both cleated during a gust. The boat rounded up into the wind and never did take on any water, so it is quite safe.

[Lloyd Franks]

Is the size of the jib sheet the right one for the cleat you are using? The PO may have replaced the sheets with a larger size.

[Sean McGuire]

Hi Lloyd,

The rope size isn't really the issue, I think. The problem is that to use the cleats, one has to be sitting pretty far forward in the cockpit due to the angle of the cleat. To be in the right spot, the windward jib cleat track is almost directly behind you.

I guess I am looking for a solution that doesn't involve bending the cleat or drilling holes in my cb trunk. I was hoping that there was a different cleat out there that the ropes coming from it angle more towards the opposite stern quarter instead of toward the opposite cleat up near the cuddy.

Thanks,

Sean McGuire

[Lloyd Franks]

Westmarine has swivel cam cleats that might work. Here's a link:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... asc/0/grid

[njsurfboat]

I find hexratchet blocks installed (with difficulty) on the existing tracks to be essential, then swivel base cams mounted on the centerboard trunk. I found the existing position only suitable for use when crewed, and my current location on the trunk less suitable for the crew position. The trick is when sailing with an experienced crew the hexratchets lets them contol the jib without using the cams on the trunk.