Main sheet

[Jack B]

Hi,
I know it is now completely unconventional but could you use tradtional cleats for mainsheets. I have only once seen this on a small boat for the jib sheets. But would it work for the main on a 17ft boat.
Jack

 

[sailorman]

Yes,just not as quick to release as a jamming block

 

[andygc]

No it is not unconventional. There has been a cleat made for the job for a very long time. It's called a jamb cleat. You'll find the traditional style in the Davey & Co Hardware catalogue. It is item 1073 (and 1091 and 1092). There are more modern alloy and plastic versions too - sometimes called a sheet jamming cleat.

 

[Poignard]

My boat has these and they work fine. As far as I know they are as old as the boat ie 44 years.

http://www.ifloat.biz/products/dave...nol-for-boat-sailboat-yacht-1092-oo-150-18293

 

[electrosys]

If by a conventional cleat you mean a two-horned cleat designed for figure-of-eight lashing, then the answer must be 'no' - as such cleats cannot be released quickly enough in an emergency, and to use them for securing a main sheet would be foolhardy.

Better to use some form of quick-release jamming cleat (cam cleats are ideal), or even an old-fashioned belaying pin - although these can be quite difficult to pull out when under load.