MacGregorSailors.com

TrailerTrash wrote: ↑Fri Apr 04, 2025 7:48 pm Is anyone using something like the Harken H241 swivel cam cleats on their jib sheets? From looking at the layout of the cockpit, they look like they would simplify single-handing.

https://westcoastsailing.net/harken-swi ... ACGVycEMdO

Stickinthemud57 wrote: ↑Sat Apr 05, 2025 10:22 am

TrailerTrash wrote: ↑Fri Apr 04, 2025 7:48 pm Is anyone using something like the Harken H241 swivel cam cleats on their jib sheets? From looking at the layout of the cockpit, they look like they would simplify single-handing.

https://westcoastsailing.net/harken-swi ... ACGVycEMdO

Those are exactly what I use and frankly would not be without them. I replaced the stock cleats back in the summer 2020 immediately after buying the boat and they have held up great.

A few caveats:

-These are not heavy-duty cleats. I sail in a small lake and seldom in sustained winds greater than 17 mph, so I don't worry about failure. Out on the ocean blue or in the Great Lakes with a squall blowing in, I would not be so sanguine.
-I have had to deal with winch fouling by adding spacers to tilt my winches back and raise the cleats. I don't know if the winches foul with the stock arrangement. Maybe so?
-My racing crew was uncomfortable with having work so close to the winches when freeing a loaded winch since the fairlead and keeper don't allow one to simply pull up on the sheet to free it from the clutch, and the cleat will swivel around toward the front without the fairlead. This was not an issue for me, but in respect for my crew I made a yolk to replace the fairlead that would allow safer release while maintaining proper operation.

It's a boon for single-handing. Just be aware of its limitations.

TrailerTrash wrote: ↑Sat Apr 05, 2025 4:10 pm

Stickinthemud57 wrote: ↑Sat Apr 05, 2025 10:22 am

TrailerTrash wrote: ↑Fri Apr 04, 2025 7:48 pm Is anyone using something like the Harken H241 swivel cam cleats on their jib sheets? From looking at the layout of the cockpit, they look like they would simplify single-handing.

https://westcoastsailing.net/harken-swi ... ACGVycEMdO

Those are exactly what I use and frankly would not be without them. I replaced the stock cleats back in the summer 2020 immediately after buying the boat and they have held up great.

A few caveats:

-These are not heavy-duty cleats. I sail in a small lake and seldom in sustained winds greater than 17 mph, so I don't worry about failure. Out on the ocean blue or in the Great Lakes with a squall blowing in, I would not be so sanguine.
-I have had to deal with winch fouling by adding spacers to tilt my winches back and raise the cleats. I don't know if the winches foul with the stock arrangement. Maybe so?
-My racing crew was uncomfortable with having work so close to the winches when freeing a loaded winch since the fairlead and keeper don't allow one to simply pull up on the sheet to free it from the clutch, and the cleat will swivel around toward the front without the fairlead. This was not an issue for me, but in respect for my crew I made a yolk to replace the fairlead that would allow safer release while maintaining proper operation.

It's a boon for single-handing. Just be aware of its limitations.

There appears to be a consensus. I'd be interested in getting feedback on where you have them mounted. Have any pictures? I think my 89D deck is the same as your 26S.

And I appreciate the warnings on their limitations. I'm a fair-weather sailer. I plan to stay out of the water if we have high winds.

Stickinthemud57 wrote: ↑Sun Apr 06, 2025 8:39 am

TrailerTrash wrote: ↑Sat Apr 05, 2025 4:10 pm

Stickinthemud57 wrote: ↑Sat Apr 05, 2025 10:22 am Those are exactly what I use and frankly would not be without them. I replaced the stock cleats back in the summer 2020 immediately after buying the boat and they have held up great.

A few caveats:

-These are not heavy-duty cleats. I sail in a small lake and seldom in sustained winds greater than 17 mph, so I don't worry about failure. Out on the ocean blue or in the Great Lakes with a squall blowing in, I would not be so sanguine.
-I have had to deal with winch fouling by adding spacers to tilt my winches back and raise the cleats. I don't know if the winches foul with the stock arrangement. Maybe so?
-My racing crew was uncomfortable with having work so close to the winches when freeing a loaded winch since the fairlead and keeper don't allow one to simply pull up on the sheet to free it from the clutch, and the cleat will swivel around toward the front without the fairlead. This was not an issue for me, but in respect for my crew I made a yolk to replace the fairlead that would allow safer release while maintaining proper operation.

It's a boon for single-handing. Just be aware of its limitations.

There appears to be a consensus. I'd be interested in getting feedback on where you have them mounted. Have any pictures? I think my 89D deck is the same as your 26S.

And I appreciate the warnings on their limitations. I'm a fair-weather sailer. I plan to stay out of the water if we have high winds.

Here's the "stock arrangement". Don't be confused by the stanchion placement. That's not stock.


Here's after I added halyard clutches, tilted the winches, added spacers under the cleats, and added the yoke I mentioned (and misspelled) earlier. That was the 3D printed prototype, since replaced with CNC'd aluminum.