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Recommend me a swivel cleat

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Oli View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Oli Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Recommend me a swivel cleat
    Posted: 14 Mar 18 at 12:58pm
got the same issue on our 800, when we converted i  removed the main jammer, another 800 at the club kept theirs and fed the jib to it instead.  It seems to work well, but i don't want the full main jammer in the boat so will go for the swivelling spinlock in its place and remove the current jib jammer.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Mar 18 at 1:51pm
Yeah, I had read that some people have lead their jib back to the old main block and cleat. Can't think that being good for us, as in light winds the crew does the jib on/off before and after drops, bringing it out to me on the wire as we head up. That would be a lot harder if the cleat was behind them!

The only downside to the proper jib cleat position is that it's offset, so when you tack from starboard to port you need plenty of slack in the sheet, otherwise it will pull tight as you exit the tack and trip the crew / uncleat / pull out of your hand.  Pretty easy to get in to the habit of giving yourself a foot or two of slack prior to each tack though. 

I'll let you know how I get on with the new Harken fitting, it looks like it may be slightly different. 


Edited by mozzy - 14 Mar 18 at 1:52pm
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Oli View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Oli Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Mar 18 at 2:48pm
i reckon the gains would be worth it over a series.

keep us informed.
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Mark Aged 42 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Mark Aged 42 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Mar 18 at 11:23am
I know it's heresy, but at my age, and in my condition(!), does anyone use a swivel in a Laser?
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Mar 18 at 11:41am
If you must put a cleat on a main, then  a true 'swivel cleat' where the cleat is mounted on swivelling base a few inches away from the block would normally be my recommendation. However, on a laser, class rules and cockpit space probably rule that out. 

You could get a ratchet where the cleat is mounted directly to the block. The problem here is that with the cleat so close to the block, you need to move the sheet through a larger angle to uncleat it (hard to explain in text). This isn't as much of a problem on a line you can get your hand within a foot or two to play, but I'm not sure this would be a good option on a mainsheet which you're often adjusting from several feet away. This is why  most racing dinghies, if they have cleats, are like the one I linked first. 

Better solution for your laser may be: 
Do you have deck cleats? Those are definitely class legal, so I would fit these first if you haven't go them. Can be a bit of a pain to sit on.

Or a ratchet with strong hold, maybe try one of these harken "Power 3" blocks. You could try the 2x power, with 20:1 holding power. I know it's not the exact same result as cleat, and may increase sheet wear, but it should reduce your sheeting loads without the need for the cleat. Again, this would be class legal and not rob you of cockpit space. 


Edited by mozzy - 20 Mar 18 at 12:07pm
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Post Options Post Options   Quote JohnJack Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Mar 18 at 2:09pm
Originally posted by mozzy

If you must put a cleat on a main, then  a true 'swivel cleat' where the cleat is mounted on swivelling base a few inches away from the block would normally be my recommendation. However, on a laser, class rules and cockpit space probably rule that out. 

I have a niggling feeling that class rules actually allow it. If you get one of the ones with the shortened arm (think Harken do them) then space wise isn't too bad.

TBH I never found much use for it, or the need to cleat the main.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote RS400atC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Mar 18 at 4:49pm
RWO used to make a swivel block cleat specifically for the Laser.
The rules may have changed a bit since 1982 though?
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Apr 18 at 9:29pm
So, new Harken cleat fitted and it has done the trick. So much better!

I'll keep an eye on it to see if it changes, but seems pretty solid. The old one must have been damaged in some way.





Edited by mozzy - 05 Apr 18 at 10:11am
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Mark Aged 42 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Mark Aged 42 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Apr 18 at 8:56am
Originally posted by JohnJack

TBH I never found much use for it, or the need to cleat the main.

Wait until you get to my age (56), and my condition (knackered)!
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Rupert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Apr 18 at 5:44pm
I'm 52 and falling apart, and what I've found is that my reaction times have slowed enough that if I cleat a main, I'll have tipped the boat in by the time I've freed it.
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