Jib Sheets - Swivel Cam Cleats

[TrailerTrash]

Is anyone using something like the Harken H241 swivel cam cleats on their jib sheets? From looking at the layout of the cockpit, they look like they would simplify single-handing.

https://westcoastsailing.net/harken-swi ... ACGVycEMdO

[rsvpasap]

https://shop.bwyachts.com/product-p/4306-1v0.htm

AKA "Bill's EZ Cleats"

[kurz]

Best thing ever.!

[Russ]

Have these

https://shop.bwyachts.com/product-p/4306-1v0.htm

Work great and reasonable price for a boat item.

[Stickinthemud57]

Is anyone using something like the Harken H241 swivel cam cleats on their jib sheets? From looking at the layout of the cockpit, they look like they would simplify single-handing.

https://westcoastsailing.net/harken-swi ... ACGVycEMdO

Those are exactly what I use and frankly would not be without them. I replaced the stock cleats back in the summer 2020 immediately after buying the boat and they have held up great.

A few caveats:

-These are not heavy-duty cleats. I sail in a small lake and seldom in sustained winds greater than 17 mph, so I don't worry about failure. Out on the ocean blue or in the Great Lakes with a squall blowing in, I would not be so sanguine.
-I have had to deal with winch fouling by adding spacers to tilt my winches back and raise the cleats. I don't know if the winches foul with the stock arrangement. Maybe so?
-My racing crew was uncomfortable with having work so close to the winches when freeing a loaded winch since the fairlead and keeper don't allow one to simply pull up on the sheet to free it from the clutch, and the cleat will swivel around toward the front without the fairlead. This was not an issue for me, but in respect for my crew I made a yolk to replace the fairlead that would allow safer release while maintaining proper operation.

It's a boon for single-handing. Just be aware of its limitations.

[TrailerTrash]

Is anyone using something like the Harken H241 swivel cam cleats on their jib sheets? From looking at the layout of the cockpit, they look like they would simplify single-handing.

https://westcoastsailing.net/harken-swi ... ACGVycEMdO

Those are exactly what I use and frankly would not be without them. I replaced the stock cleats back in the summer 2020 immediately after buying the boat and they have held up great.

A few caveats:

-These are not heavy-duty cleats. I sail in a small lake and seldom in sustained winds greater than 17 mph, so I don't worry about failure. Out on the ocean blue or in the Great Lakes with a squall blowing in, I would not be so sanguine.
-I have had to deal with winch fouling by adding spacers to tilt my winches back and raise the cleats. I don't know if the winches foul with the stock arrangement. Maybe so?
-My racing crew was uncomfortable with having work so close to the winches when freeing a loaded winch since the fairlead and keeper don't allow one to simply pull up on the sheet to free it from the clutch, and the cleat will swivel around toward the front without the fairlead. This was not an issue for me, but in respect for my crew I made a yolk to replace the fairlead that would allow safer release while maintaining proper operation.

It's a boon for single-handing. Just be aware of its limitations.

There appears to be a consensus. I'd be interested in getting feedback on where you have them mounted. Have any pictures? I think my 89D deck is the same as your 26S.

And I appreciate the warnings on their limitations. I'm a fair-weather sailer. I plan to stay out of the water if we have high winds.

[pitchpolehobie]

Ive used mine in up to 20-25 gusts and never had an issue. Unsure what theyre truely rated for.. in fact Ive never used my winches for my jib or genoa sheets. If youre a fair weather sailor i bet theyre all youll need. Id make sure your track is ingood shape and secured well.

[Stickinthemud57]

Is anyone using something like the Harken H241 swivel cam cleats on their jib sheets? From looking at the layout of the cockpit, they look like they would simplify single-handing.

https://westcoastsailing.net/harken-swi ... ACGVycEMdO

Those are exactly what I use and frankly would not be without them. I replaced the stock cleats back in the summer 2020 immediately after buying the boat and they have held up great.

A few caveats:

-These are not heavy-duty cleats. I sail in a small lake and seldom in sustained winds greater than 17 mph, so I don't worry about failure. Out on the ocean blue or in the Great Lakes with a squall blowing in, I would not be so sanguine.
-I have had to deal with winch fouling by adding spacers to tilt my winches back and raise the cleats. I don't know if the winches foul with the stock arrangement. Maybe so?
-My racing crew was uncomfortable with having work so close to the winches when freeing a loaded winch since the fairlead and keeper don't allow one to simply pull up on the sheet to free it from the clutch, and the cleat will swivel around toward the front without the fairlead. This was not an issue for me, but in respect for my crew I made a yolk to replace the fairlead that would allow safer release while maintaining proper operation.

It's a boon for single-handing. Just be aware of its limitations.

There appears to be a consensus. I'd be interested in getting feedback on where you have them mounted. Have any pictures? I think my 89D deck is the same as your 26S.

And I appreciate the warnings on their limitations. I'm a fair-weather sailer. I plan to stay out of the water if we have high winds.

Here's the "stock arrangement". Don't be confused by the stanchion placement. That's not stock.


Here's after I added halyard clutches, tilted the winches, added spacers under the cleats, and added the yoke I mentioned (and misspelled) earlier. That was the 3D printed prototype, since replaced with CNC'd aluminum.

[TrailerTrash]

Those are exactly what I use and frankly would not be without them. I replaced the stock cleats back in the summer 2020 immediately after buying the boat and they have held up great.

A few caveats:

-These are not heavy-duty cleats. I sail in a small lake and seldom in sustained winds greater than 17 mph, so I don't worry about failure. Out on the ocean blue or in the Great Lakes with a squall blowing in, I would not be so sanguine.
-I have had to deal with winch fouling by adding spacers to tilt my winches back and raise the cleats. I don't know if the winches foul with the stock arrangement. Maybe so?
-My racing crew was uncomfortable with having work so close to the winches when freeing a loaded winch since the fairlead and keeper don't allow one to simply pull up on the sheet to free it from the clutch, and the cleat will swivel around toward the front without the fairlead. This was not an issue for me, but in respect for my crew I made a yolk to replace the fairlead that would allow safer release while maintaining proper operation.

It's a boon for single-handing. Just be aware of its limitations.

There appears to be a consensus. I'd be interested in getting feedback on where you have them mounted. Have any pictures? I think my 89D deck is the same as your 26S.

And I appreciate the warnings on their limitations. I'm a fair-weather sailer. I plan to stay out of the water if we have high winds.

Here's the "stock arrangement". Don't be confused by the stanchion placement. That's not stock.


Here's after I added halyard clutches, tilted the winches, added spacers under the cleats, and added the yoke I mentioned (and misspelled) earlier. That was the 3D printed prototype, since replaced with CNC'd aluminum.

Thanks....I ordered a set.

[TrailerTrash]

I'm considering mounting the swivel cleat at deck level since I don't plan on using it at the time I'm using the winch. Todd gave me standoffs for the winch and the stock cleat, so I may put the stock cleat in place and find a spot to mount the swivel cleats for use when I'm single-handing. I won't be single-handed when there is a serious blow, so I don't anticipate needing them raised to the winch level. That way, the stock cleat will still be there if I ever find the need to use the winch.