[Public-list] mainsheet questions

[J Bergquist]

CB-

The harken link you sent didn't work. Can you tell me the Part Number
for the flip thing? I would be real interested in that?

My existing fiddle doesn't have a ratchet and I find that it's plenty
of purchase. I was thinking that if I used a ratchet I could maybe
drop purchase to 3:1. Do you think that would work?

I also used to have marelon blocks (one of the first things I replaced
on the boat when I got her 5 years ago). I still do have the
screw-stops. I hate those things. I am in process of buying a new
traveler as well, which is why I asked about the car. I am saving
pennies, nickels, and susan B's for that purchase.

I saw Phil Grotheer make a custom bracket for a harken traveler car
that had a swivel cleat base bolted to it for his J/22. It was pretty
sweet, but I think he did it fully from scratch himself.

Thanks all for the feedback.

Later,

J

On 5/1/07, C.B. Currier <cbcurrier at spinrx.com> wrote:
> 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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