G,day all
I’m thinking about changing my mainsheet system [currently using two triple blocks with a ratchet single block and cleat mounted under the triple block].
I’m interested to here what other systems are commonly used and why.
The systems I am considering are
1. Two triple blocks with the bottom block having a cleat on it.
2. Two triple blocks with the main sheet running along the bottom of the boom
and coming off a single ratchet block [without a cleat] mounted halfway down the boom.
3. The same as 2 but with a ratchet and cleat mounted to the centre beam under the tramp.
I usually sail solo cat rigged and wanted to know if by mounting the main sheet forward it would be easier to use [instead of all the controls coming from the back of the boat]. I am interested to here what others think about using a cleat or cleatless system.
<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

As a relative newcomer to Cats, the best advice I've received was "get rid of the cleat" That was last November. Haven't had a swim since!. (still come close though)

Cheers

There's photos of 4 systems on the web site:


VMCA - Mainsheet systems


You're best off without the cleat - if it's too hard to hold you need a better ratchet block or less friction in the system. I just use a Ronstan Smartratchet which works well.

I use a cleat, a very well adjusted one, I also have second block hanger on my boom, 65mm behind the first one, when I hook my mainsheet block onto that one the slight angle change takes the cleat out of the system, easier on the water then adjusting the cleat arm on the lower block. On a gusty day I use the back hanger.

Mainsheet is rarely in the cleat for more then a few seconds but they are handy.

Darryn
Mozzie
1782

Karl,

I use the 2 triple blocks with the bottom block cleat. The bottom centre block has an inbuilt ratchet. I find this to be clean and easy and can just take the whole system off for washing and storage and the end of the day. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I use the cleat when my arms need a short rest <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> so it is set a bit higher and I have to cleat it by raising my arm.

Regards,

Peter

one of the best things I ever did was change my cleating angle so I could cleat it EASIER. I sail a lot with it cleated. I still adjust it but it makes sailing so much easier and relaxing.

i use the two triple blocks at end of boom, with the sheet running along the boom and a ratchet on the middle beam coming off the tramp. i find the forward sheeting makes it easier for trapping downwind i am more stable with one arm forward(sheet) and one arm back(tiller). if you are going without cleat, i reccomend two ratchets. turn both off for light day, one on for medium day and both on for big day. if you go a cleat, then only need one ratchet. after three races on two big days at SA states ( 20 knots +) i want the cleat back.

I have tried all options on the list, on the vmca website. and the current set up is the best. All on the rear beam, with the cleat & ratchet block fixed in the centre. the same as Bob Wilson runs, only my cleat is set lower when i wish to cleat the main i kick the main sheet down with my foot. that is my opinion any way.