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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

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gop711
1st Mate

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Armenia
83 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/24/2008 : 12:34:49

I am not sure of the correct term, but here goes.

On my traveler, 1989 C25, I am having trouble when I am trying to release the main sheet in a good wind.The two clam cleats make it almost impossible to release the sheet with one hand. The line is 7/16. I was thinking about putting couple of screws in top piece of stainless right above the clam cleats. I am thinking that the line is too far up in the slot and the screw heads would position the line more in the middle of the clam cleats. I have two adjustment screws where I can adjust the angle of the line coming into the clam cleats. I have tried several different angles, with no help with the problem. I am sure my description is lacking, but I am hopeful someone my offer some suggestions to make releasing the mainsail sheet in a good wind easier.

Thanks
Greg

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 03/24/2008 : 13:04:19

I'm having a little trouble picturing what you're trying to describe... First, I'm going to assume you mean a cam-cleat (not clam). A clam-cleat is a solid casting with a toothed groove that you lay a line into. A cam-cleat has two rotating quarter-cirular "cams" that are spring-loaded so that they grip a line inserted between them. That's generally what's on the lower block of the mainsheet tackle.

I'm thinking your mainsheet is too fat for your cam-cleat, pushing the cams too far open so that their corners are gripping the line instead of the rounded surfaces that are supposed to do so. If you can find a piece of 3/8" double-braid, try snapping that into the cleat, pulling hard on it (as the boom would do), and then lifting it out. See if it sits more "appropriately" in the cleat. It might lead you to changing your mainsheet. Alternatively, it could lead you to installing a larger cam-cleat on the block (if you can find the right part to fit there).

Edit: One more thought... If you pull on the sheet as if trimming in the main as you lift the sheet out of the cleat, it opens the cams just a little. (The cams open as they rotate in that direction--you should be able to sheet in the main without lifting the sheet out of the cleat.)

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 03/24/2008 13:18:15

Joel37027
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Response Posted - 03/24/2008 : 13:59:36

My cam cleats are for my traveler, not my main sheet. Do you have a photo of your setup?

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 03/24/2008 : 14:57:40

Traveler:

The traveler line should only be 1/4".

You question is confusing, releasing a mainsheet is done with the mainsheet. Letting the traveler down is done with the traveler control lines.

mainsheet and traveler:

Edited by - on

gop711
1st Mate

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Armenia
83 Posts

Response Posted - 03/25/2008 : 07:45:00

I knew I was going to have trouble expressing myself on this one. It is in fact a cam-cleat. I was tring to refer to the lower tackle on the traveler where the cam cleat is located and the mainsheet is adjusted. If you would look at Frank's second photo, I am having trouble with the blue line in his photo not releasing from the cam cleat in a good wind. Thanks for the photos Frank. I may try another diameter line, but I am not sure that is the problem, because I had a larger line before, I am thinking it was 1/2" and it would actually come out of the cam cleat by itself. That is the reason I went to the smaller line. I am sorry for the confussion, but thanks for the comments and again thanks for the photos.
Greg

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/25/2008 : 07:51:36

Greg,

Depending on your setup, sometimes in higher winds you may have to quickly snap the line straight down with some oomph to release it from the cam cleats.

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 03/25/2008 : 08:26:35

I guess I have my mainsheet on backwards but, I found it a real PITA with the cam cleats facing downward so, I put the block with the cleat at the top of the mainsheet nearest the boom. I'd rather be able to quickly release the main by a quick tug up than to try to maneuver the sheet downward from an already low location. Now, this might just be because of the mainsheet location on the 250 vs. the 25.

Edited by - John Russell on 03/25/2008 08:28:00

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 03/25/2008 : 08:44:35

Greg,

You may be able to get advice from a local sailor or two at the dock by asking them to release your mainsheet and tell you if it feels right.

I guess you are familiar with the situation when the boat is heeling at 45 degrees and the friends and family are wondering why they ever came along. I grab the mainsheet with 2 hands and lean down into it with all my might for a second to release the main in a big gust.

Edited by - JohnP on 03/25/2008 08:46:59

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 03/25/2008 : 09:20:44

OK, I'm gonna go back to my later suggestion--it sounds like your size should be OK... To uncleat, pull on the mainsheet as if sheeting in, so it's sliding between the cams (which rotates them and eases their grip) and then down (in this case) to release--not just straight down. Similarly, to cleat the line, pull it as if sheeting in the main as you pull it up between the cams. As long as the line is moving in the direction that opens the cams, it should go in and out easily. (You probably know this, but I'll say it for general publication: NEVER, EVER use your fingers to open the cleat to insert or release the line! Think about how it's gripping that sheet...)

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 03/25/2008 : 09:45:12

As mentioned, it would be best to have another sailor look at your arrangement. Alternatively, try posting close up photos of your assembly from several angles. I don't understand the adjustment screws. I arrange my block/cleat assembly to pull up to release. There is also a possibility that the problem is in the sheave/axle portion or the cam cleat pivot. Dirt, scoring, or wear would increase friction and that would be most dramatic under high load. I would disassemble, clean, and lube the cam cleats (Sailkote is a good dry lube) and clean and lube the blocks to be sure that they are completely free. You should also be sure that the cams are not binding on the screws that hold them in place - they should pivot freely, except for spring tension.

Edited by - on

gop711
1st Mate

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Armenia
83 Posts

Response Posted - 03/25/2008 : 10:17:04

Thanks for the suggestions, I will give them a try.

Greg

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 03/25/2008 : 13:50:10

The mainsheet set-up on C-22's and C-25's, in part because of the angle from boom end to traveler, is inherently difficult to release under heavy load. The best way I have found to do it effectively is to pull forward slightly to release some of the pressure on the cams and then push down, all in one quick motion.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/25/2008 : 14:09:12

Another thing that helps is, upping the purchase on the mainsheet.

Edited by - on

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