[Public-list] mainsheet questions

[C.B. Currier]

J,

I use that exact method and am very happy with it except in a few instances.
For fact sake these fiddle blocks are very common on multi hulls and that
is where I first came to consider the application for Infinity.

If you do not like the upside down then go for flipping the cam mount:

http://www.harkenstore.com/uniface.urd/SCCYSPW1

My harken fiddle (5:1) has a ratchet on it and is very nice for all
aspects of the trim. I would suggest this fix first - the flip. If that
cannot be done then put on a harken fiddle with a ratchet and flip the
mount for  the cleat. This is really the most accomodating configuration I
know of. Also use a mid-range adjustable traveler. Don't waste your time
if you havent already with a windward sheeting car - they never hold fast.
It is quite a few bucks though with a whole new rig. Good Luck.

BTW: I dont think a swivel will work unless you mount a pedestal in the
cockpit.

My original hardware on Infinity was screw end stops for the traveler and
Marelon fiddle blocks with the sheet cleating on the cabin top.
-- 
C.B. Currier
Infinity #57
Daybreak #458

J Bergquist wrote:
> Folks,
>
> I don't like the way my mainsheet cleat works. I think it's backwards
> having to pull down to uncleat the main. I much prefer pulling up to
> uncleat and pulling down to cleat it. This makes it easier to ease the
> main in a puff and is the way every dinghy I ever sailed is rigged
> (although many dinghies actually have no cleat at all...). My boat has
> a cleat that is mounted on a fiddle block and the cleat faces down. So
> when you pull up, the sheet cleats. This seems to be a pretty standard
> setup for keelboats, at least, for traditional ones.
>
> I would like to reverse this. I have considered 2 options. The ideal
> situation would be to use my existing blocks with a harken 402 swivel
> pedestal cleat base, like:
>
> http://www.harkenstore.com/uniface.urd/sccyspw1.eShowPage?409Z56LC7FV66&409Z56LC5IU7U
>
> The only problem is that I am not sure anybody makes a traveler car
> which would accept a base like this. I am looking for one. If anybody
> knows of a traveler car that would work with a swivel pedestal base, I
> am all ears.
>
> The secondary option, less ideal, but still superior to the existing
> solution would be to unscrew the existing cam cleat and turn it upside
> down, using some kind of spacer between the plate and the cleat to
> allow clearance for uncleating the sheet. I have seen cleats where
> people have done this with plastic or delrin balls. The problem with
> this is that there is a lot of bending load on the fasteners because
> the load is transferred through them all the way up to the top-mounted
> base. You really have to have big ones and have them screwed down
> tight or you'll bend them.
>
> I was just wondering if anybody on the list has pursued either of
> these options? Alternately, is there some reason that I am missing why
> it is better to have your mainsheet auto-cleat when you pull up on it?
>
> Also, I have 5:1 on the mainsheet with no ratchet block. Is there
> anybody out there who is using a ratchet with less purchase (say 3:1)?
> Less purchase would allow you to use a much shorter mainsheet.
> Alternately, is there anybody with a gross/fine trim system?
>
> Thanks as always for your thoughts and input.
>
> J Bergquist
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