I've used the Spinlock PX (not sure which model but it's the one that fit my halyard thickness) for the past two years and it works great. I've had no problems getting it loose even when I warp the halyard to get some extra tension. Can't help you with the advanced geometry lesson with respect to the tension on/off for the backstay tensioner Joe SeaFrog M17 ----- Original Message ----- From: Bill Wickett To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 8:52 PM Subject: M_Boats: Halyard cleats - horn, cam, jammers? What do you use to cleat off your halyards? We currently have a cam cleat p & s of the hatch at the cabin bulkhead for the main and the jib. . Halyards lead from the mast base across to a cheek block beside the grab rail and aft to the cleat. Often the line is really tight after sailing several hours and is really hard to release from the cam cleat when it comes time to drop sail. I can pop it up out of the cams with some effort, but Julie has some trouble doing that. I am wondering if I am not slacking off the back stay adjuster to total slack and if this has tensioned the halyards somewhat. I can't check it now till sailing season. Anyone have an idea if this would affect the main halyard tension? I am trying to visualize the geometry. The backstay adjuster would tension the jib halyard for sure. Still on this subject I was looking at alternatives to the standard cam cleat. Spinlock makes an adjustable cleat, the PXR http://bit.ly/wXEhk7 with and adjustable spring and also a clutch type jammer the SUA http://bit.ly/wqBizE . Not sure if these release any easier. I know from sailing larger boats, it is best for the line to take up the slack with a winch before opening a clutch. Spinlock does mention using a winch with the SUA mini jammer. I wonder if just pulling some tension on the line tail first would let the jammer release okay. Our 2003 M17 doesn't have a halyard winch. Has anyone had any experience with these on their M boats? We are also adding a spinnaker halyard this year so will have to lead it aft to another cleat, or possibly cleat the jib off at the mast again. Has anyone added 2 sheave deck organizers forward of the hatch next to the grab rail? Seems like it might be a bit tight for 2 lines on the same side. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or experience. Would love to walk the docks at Havasu, but just cannot get there. Regards, Bill Wickett Makin' Time M17 #622 Cambridge, ON