That is a recipe for a capsize on a windy day. It’s too hard to uncleat when you get heeled over. Tag has the best solution. And the deck mounted cleats are much safer re: capsizing as he says.this looks good ?
HT 4266-74 COMP-Mainsheet Swivel Base with Cam (Short Arm) and 57 mm Ratchet block included.
HT 4266-74 COMP-Mainsheet Swivel Base with Cam (Short Arm) and 57 mm Ratchet block included. | SWIVEL BALL BEARINGS CAM BASES ARE COMPLETELY CONSTRUCTED FROM HARD ANODIZED ALUMINUM, ACCEPTS BLOCKS USING 5MM ( 3/16\') AND 6.5 MM ( 1/4\') SHACKLES.TOTAL LEnautos-usa.com
the pulley I installed is non ratcheting, just somethig I had around, I needed another hand to tug in in tighter, had to let go of the tiller a few times to get mors purchase, which is dicey.The Harken 2615 doesn't ratchet, and (despite what some on this forum may say) an "integrated" cleat doesn't work on a Sunfish/Laser -type boat. Forget it.
That Nautos swivel might actually work if "short arm" means it's more or less a copy of the Harken 205. The pictures on their website are confusing though, so you really don't know what you'd get. I'd forget that one, too.
What is your current block? If you already have a reasonably good ratchet, add cleats on the side decks.
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where do you have your deck cleats?I'd echo what others are saying here. An integrated cleat/block is not a good idea. Even on boats where they make more sense (Like my old Taser) you have to be vigilant if you want to be able to react to gusts quickly enough. I think you will find that a ratchet block will make a big diference to fatigue. I use a 2135. I have deck cleats but rarely use them. I am a bit younger than you but my upper body strength is not that great.
I hear you, I guess I'll look for a 2135 or similarSailing in 15 kts the Sunfish sails have a very high load on them as compared to example a laser. The rachet has a snubbing action which a pulley does not have. You would enjoy sailing more with a rachet.
Intensity Sails sells the Harken 2135 and a few other good options for a mainsheet block.I hear you, I guess I'll look for a 2135 or similar
You can see them in this photo from when my mast snapped. I mainly use them if cruising along in lighter winds when I want to have a drink or whatever.where do you have your deck cleats?
Thanks, I was able to order one on eBay for $55 best price I found for a new oneIntensity Sails sells the Harken 2135 and a few other good options for a mainsheet block.
Thanks, I ordered a 2135 I’ll see if I still think I need the cleats I have oneI may put it where tag has hisYou can see them in this photo from when my mast snapped. I mainly use them if cruising along in lighter winds when I want to have a drink or whatever.
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That's exactly the way I d go it as well...The block can ratchet and I even left the old hook in it. ...so you have options. A cam cleat in the middle is out of reach, but on the sides ...can be used *carefully*. Yes...with white caps, the main sheet FOR ME almost always requires a ratcheting block.
Cheers! There aren't many of us.Dick, I am always happy to see an active Sunfish sailor in the UK!!!
I noticed both of you have your cam cleatsIn line with your pulley is it easier to cleat in that wayYou can see them in this photo from when my mast snapped. I mainly use them if cruising along in lighter winds when I want to have a drink or whatever.
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Doesn't matter, that's just roughly where the cleats end up when you position them right for your basic fore-and-aft weight placement. However, cleating is easier if the cleat isn't too far outboard. It looks like Sailflow's cleats are somewhat better positioned than Dick's in that sense. (Also, I understand that cleat risers are pretty much a must on a Sunfish.)both of you have your cam cleatsIn line with your pulley is it easier to cleat in that way
thanks, I didn't even notice that. I did have a thought about risers too after looking at pics. how high? make your own.? There is a harken riser I saw on amazon, Amazon.com : Harken Cam Cleat Accessories, flat riser for 150 200 cam cleat : Sailing Equipment : Sports & OutdoorsDoesn't matter, that's just roughly where the cleats end up when you position them right for your basic fore-and-aft weight placement. However, cleating is easier if the cleat isn't too far outboard. It looks like Sailflow's cleats are somewhat better positioned than Dick's in that sense. (Also, I understand that cleat risers are pretty much a must on a Sunfish.)
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Ideally, the cleat should stand just high enough that the sheet goes in all the way when you pull it against the gunwale. The size and attachment of the block (as well as the aforementioned distance from the centreline) affects this, so you have test it in real life. That said, the Harken 295 seems to be what Sunfishers (like Sallflow) are using, and it's 24 mm tall.how high?
You were right.Sail with your harken for a while before adding cleats. You might find you don't need them. They are way to add if you do.
Yowza! There’s a Story behind that mast snapping photo. Can you tell us more (maybe in a new thread dedicated to your story)?You can see them in this photo from when my mast snapped....