DaySailer.org Forum

Once we finally shake winter here, I plan to install cam cleats for the jib sheets on the CB trunk of my DSII. I am looking forward to more simple single-handed sailing this summer.

I picked up some nice cleats with fairleads, but they didn't come with screws. I am not very familiar with the CB trunk construction. Does anyone have a recommendation on how far/deep the screws securing the cleats should go?

Thanks,

David.

When I mounted my cleats on the CB trunk, I think I used 3/4" or 1" long screws, probably the 1". It has been a couple years since I did it.

John

Not sure if you need it but the first time I drilled into my CB trunk I ended up with a nasty gelcoat chip. The next time I had to drill I followed the suggestions given in a post by Greenlake http://forum.daysailer.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3654 that included a link to a site that gave great advice and a simple trick on how to avoid gelcoat chips. The bottom line was to use a brad point bit and start the hole in reverse to gently break thru the gelcoat; then change to drilling forward to finish the hole. It was a simple, effective trick that took the stress out of drilling into my gelcoat and resulted in a hole I could be proud of!

Thanks to both of you. I will definitely follow GreenLake's lead.

Jeadstx, how far would you guess that the screw goes into the trunk?

David.

DavidF, I'm not sure how far the screw went into the trunk. It didn't hit the CB as there are no "drill" nicks on it and the CB was in the up position when I did the drilling. I do remember that one of the drill holes hit a metal plate. I placed my cleats on the two angled areas on the CB trunk. That area is probably a little thicker and has more clearance.


John

Thanks John.

John,

Are those the Racelite flanged cam cleats sold by Duckworks? Are you happy with them? MY DSII has the factory "fairlead and cam cleat combo" on the jib track. The angle of the cleat requires that I pull it from a position forward of the cleat; a neat trick when I'm by myself and need to hold on to the hiking stick too.

- Chris

Chris B, yes those are the Racelite cam cleats sold by Duckworks. They are the ones with the fairlead. They were a little stiff at first to operate the cam, but after use a couple times they worked great. I too had the cleat on the track, they were just too hard to deal with when I was sailing by myself. I kepy the track slide and put the block on it.

John

This is the cam cleat I used http://www.duckworksbbs.com/hardware/cl ... /index.htm

I used the one with the fairlead.

John

I bought some more modern looking cleats, and in the process I am probably losing some of the original look of the boat.

I am very excited about how much easier it will be to single-hand the boat. I had some pretty ugly tacks last summer... (This summer we will see if it was actually due to the layout of lines!)

David.

Thank goodness, the DS class rules do not force you to stick to a single manufacturer for "approved" hardware, or restrict you in setting up your running rigging any way you see fit. So, I wouldn't worry about the "original" looks, and instead focus on function.
John's picture shows some of the original jib tracks, that look precisely like the ones that were installed on my DSI, which is quite a bit older. First time I took her out, one of those tracks broke in half. Needless to say, I replaced it with a sturdier modern track and have never looked back....