Jared, I have gone through two sets of V-cleats on my 1984 M-15 in the 15 years I have owned her. About 5 years ago I switched to carbon fiber C-Cleats, which I like much better and they don't seem to wear out. I mounted a teak block base on the cabin roof using the holes from the original V-Cleats, so I did not have to drill new holes, and placed the new C-Cleats on the block. I have a medium sized cleat for the jib sheet and a small C-Cleat for the jib downhaul and Main backstay. I use the jib downhaul when raising/lowering the mast, and the Main backstay to raise the boom while anchored. I have never used a fairlead on the jib sheet, but I think it would be nothing but trouble. When tacking, the free jib sheet can often find ways to catch on something when pulling the jib across; adding a fairlead would almost guarantee a hangup. And stay with the 5/16" line. When its blowing it can be really, really hard to ease the jib sheet and you will want the thicker line to pull on. My 2 cents worth. Good luck, Bob M15 #208 Jared Prindle wrote:
After the first sail, I found that I really need to change the jib sheet V-cleats as they are really worn down and hardly hold the line at all. I'm looking for advice to what would be best and and using the original holes in the cabin.
Option 1. Just replace the V cleats with new ones of the same size. The only reason I don't go right out and do this is that the existing ones seem to be made for a min of 5/16 line. Wouldn't it be better to have a Med size one that could accept 1/4" and 5/16" line? I also couldn't find any V cleat at this size with a fairlead built in which seems better to have one then not.
Option 2. Get the Medium size V cleat with the fairlead built in. Use some Starboard or hardwood to build a base (maybe even wedge to give a better yank angle). Mount the V-cleat into the wood and the wood into the original holes in the cabin.
Option 3. Make a wood base as above but add moving cam cleats like what's used on the mainsheet.
Thanks for your advice. Jared "Lil p"
_______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!