Reconfigure this mainsheet block/cam cleat

[jbinbi]

Just purchased this boat. See pic for issue. With the current length of the the shackles, it is extremely difficult to release the sheet pulling down. The sheet hits the fiberglass below.

In looking for solutions, It looks like I can
1. Buy longer shackles.
2. If the bolts with allen heads can be removed, I can change the angle of the cam so it is a bit more horizontal. Looks like there are 2 more slots to angle it up.
3. Again if I can take out the bolts, I might be able to turn this over to have the cam release by pulling up, which is what I would want.

There bolts on both sides.

Before I try taking these out and possibly ruining my block set, was hoping that someone else can tell me that it is/isn't possible to do this. It looks possible, just figure it's easier to ask first.

Thanks.

[Stu Jackson]

Sure, they make LONG D shackles.


Sure, move the cam. You really do not want to pull up. I sailed a Catalina 25 for 11` years with that kind of mainsheet and pulling up would be "not indicated", "wrong" or at worst plain stupid.

[Sailmonkey]

Just give the sheet a solid flick down and it should just pop right out

[jbinbi]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

Just give the sheet a solid flick down and it should just pop right out

If I was able to do that, I wouldn't be asking to re configure it.

[jbinbi]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Sure, move the cam. You really do not want to pull up. I sailed a Catalina 25 for 11` years with that kind of mainsheet and pulling up would be "not indicated", "wrong" or at worst plain stupid.

Interesting. All other cams on the boat you pull up to release and push down into the cam to lock. Though these are not on a block/tackle but rather a cam cleat mounted on the decks. Why on the mainsheet would I want to pull down to release and push up to lock?

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by jbinbi

Interesting. All other cams on the boat you pull up to release and push down into the cam to lock. Though these are not on a block/tackle but rather a cam cleat mounted on the decks. Why on the mainsheet would I want to pull down to release and push up to lock?

Typically as you sheet in you’re pulling up into the cleat. If you are unable click out of this, just remove the Allen screws and raise the cleat. That’s what the screws are there for.

[Quebramar]

Looks like there is not much angle to gain by adjusting the screws.
On my boat and for a different reason I had to raise the same type of block set and I did this with a dyneema loop. Works well.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by jbinbi

Interesting. All other cams on the boat you pull up to release and push down into the cam to lock. Though these are not on a block/tackle but rather a cam cleat mounted on the decks. Why on the mainsheet would I want to pull down to release and push up to lock?

It is BECAUSE those are mounted ON a DECK and you cannot pull down.
For a mainsheet, you want and need just the opposite, as Sailmonkey said in his first sentence.


Look, you asked for input, you have receive it from those of us with experience in just this issue. Please don't shoot the messengers.

[Hartleyg]

I would remove the twisted shackle then replace it with a soft shackle sized to put the block where you want it. You could also just make a loop as others advised - for a short loop, make a longer loop out of something smaller and do multiple wraps (that way you can do the splice with plenty of bury). Either way, it won't clank when its not loaded

Hartley
S/V Atsa

[hlev00]

The block has some further adjustment to allow it to tilt up two more holes. You might try that first.

As far as pulling up vs pulling down it is dependent on where you are pulling from. I sailed a dinghy for a while that had that sort of mainsheet block on the cockpit floor. In that case we pulled up to release. It was fine when sitting on the deck. When hiked out it was tricky to get enough upward movement. I tossed that out altogether and went with cleats on the side deck. (not suggesting this is an option for you.) Bottom line, you want it mounted to that it easier to uncleat in all conditions, even if it is a little harder to cleat sometimes.

Harry

[jbinbi]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

It is BECAUSE those are mounted ON a DECK and you cannot pull down.
For a mainsheet, you want and need just the opposite, as Sailmonkey said in his first sentence.


Look, you asked for input, you have receive it from those of us with experience in just this issue. Please don't shoot the messengers.

Sorry if you thought I was shooting the messenger. I was not trying to argue, but was asking because I wanted the reason, not to suggest it was incorrect.

[StuM]

As others have said, use the two addition holes to change the angle. If that's not enough, a soft shackle will allow you to move it up and also allow you to detach it easily if you want to

[ChrisJHC]

As others have said, remove the hard shackle and replace it with a longer Dyneema loop or soft shackle.

Re why you pull the sheet up to lock, think about how you use it.
When sheeting in, particularly when you’re close to the wind, you are typically sitting on the side and pulling the sheet towards you and upwards.
You want to be able to lock it into the cleat using the same angle and hence it locks upwards.

To release, it’s not uncommon to put your foot on top of the sheet and push it out of the cleat - assuming you’ve raised the cleat sufficiently using the Dyneema loop or soft shackle.

Re your other cleats that you pull down to lock, these are probably also aligned so that the angle of pull is the same as the locking motion.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by jbinbi

Why on the mainsheet would I want to pull down to release and push up to lock?

It's a matter of personal preference, but most experienced sailors prefer it that way.

When you are sheeting in, the line generally runs upwards from the block.
By adjusting your pull angle slightly you can work the line either outside or through the jammer. The latter can be a big help when you are hauling in hard.

[Gary Mc]

It might be possible to take out the two (4?) retaining screws and turn the cam cleat assembly over. Then you can pull up to release and pull down to lock in, which would be my preferred way.


Good Luck