Sheet cleats

[grumpydog]

We are onto the rigging now, in our restoration of a 1932 (aft-cockpit) 9-ton Hillyard (Billy Blue). At the forward end of each cockpit coaming are a number of screw holes, presumably to mount the horn cleat for either the jib sheet or staysail sheet. When Hillyards this size were built, there were no winches for the headsails, and the cleats were mounted inboard of the coaming. My friend who has a same-vintage Hillyard tells me they dig into the back of anyone who sits there. We have winches which we plan to use, mounted on wooden platforms, which ride outside the coaming at the aft end of the cockpit. If we were to use the cleats in their original positions, would it be better to mount them on the inside or the outside of the coamings? I am working on the assumption that they were mounted on the inside, as, without winches to take the strain, it was more important to be able to get at the cleats immediately to make fast after taking the strain on the sheet. If winches do that job, would it be more sensible to mount them out of the way on the outside of the coaming? What would you do it it were your decision?

 

[SwedishLass]

My Vindo 32 has platforms outside the coaming where the winches are mounted, there are two teak cleats mounted on the platforms to take the tails. works well for me. My Atalanta has the cleats on the coaming, a clear case of fence sitting but anything stabbing in the back when tacking is a pain.

 

[Tranona]

If you are fitting self tailing winches (which are worth their weight in gold) the need for cleats almost goes away. I left mine (on the outside of the coamings) but don't remember the last time I used them. But I note you have a cutter rig which will mean 4 winches, and the individual sail area is probably not enough to justify no 16 winches which is the smallest self tailer.

If the cleats are on the inside of the coamings, presumably there is a fairlead to bring the sheets inside. If not then cleats on the outside are the way to go.

 

[Gordonmc]

The sheet cleats on my 8 ton Hillyard are mounted inboard of the coamings, seen in this pic, if it works:

The non-self tailing winch is behind the drunken bum's elbow... the arrangement can be seen clearly on the port side.
The main advantage of inboard mounting is that the sheet is less likely to go overboard and being able to see at a glance what is happening.
The position of the cleats is not the most comfortable place to sit... the bench is too narrow.
FWIW, there is another set of holes close to the existing position of the cleats. I understand these were for another outboard pair of cleats for the old double-ended mainsheet, but this is heresay.

 

[Tranona]

Lovely picture! grumpydog says his are at the forward end and there are no winches - and he has two sets of sheets!

A pair of bronze Lewmar 16ST like mine would look great on your boat, but Father Christmas would need to be in a generous mood!

 

[RobinBirch]

John Lilley (forum member) is the man to provide guidance - what he doesn't know about Hillyards isn't worth knowing

 

[Peterduck]

I would build a second pedestal aft of the winch pedestal and mount a cleat on it.
Peter.

 

[sailorman]

You dont need a cleat
pass a loop of the tail under the standing part then over the winch drum them pull the remaining tail this locks the sheet under no load

 

[grumpydog]

Thanks all very much for your posts. I think we have some good food for thought now. Nice Hilly Gordon! Wish I knew how to post pics (though please don't explain as I know I will never, ever understand!)