Raising mainsheet block cleat for easier release
I was enjoying a fun, lively sail on Lake Michigan yesterday when a lull in the wind, followed by a hard gust, knocked me over a good bit. Part of the problem was that I was on the leeward side at the time, adjusting the jib sheet, away from my usual windward position (in gusty conditions, with one foot near the mainsheet cleat if I need to release it quickly). The low position of the cleat, and the downward pull needed to release the sheet, can make it difficult to release the sheet quickly. The situation has me wanting to raise my mainsheet cleat higher off of the cockpit floor to facilitate quicker release from anywhere in the cockpit. I've tried doing this using a loop of line or shackles, but the problem with that is that the block, shackles and whatever else bang around like crazy when I'm reaching or running in light and/or sloppy conditions. Has anyone developed a solution? Thanks! Gordon
Gordon, I presume you have an M17. When sailing with Al Williams in his M17 the downward pressure required to release the main drove me crazy. It is the opposite of the M15. AL and I took the block mechanism apart and inverted the cleat so that you would pull up to release it. That of course moves the problem to using your foot to cleat it. Al may have hated this and put it back the way it was but I thought it was unsafe. Is this low cleat position with downward pressure required to release standard on M17's? If not, what is coming out of the factory today? Thanks Doug Kelch ________________________________ From: Gordon Gilbert <Gordon@FinancialWriting.net> To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Fri, July 16, 2010 7:21:39 AM Subject: M_Boats: Raising mainsheet block cleat for easier release I was enjoying a fun, lively sail on Lake Michigan yesterday when a lull in the wind, followed by a hard gust, knocked me over a good bit. Part of the problem was that I was on the leeward side at the time, adjusting the jib sheet, away from my usual windward position (in gusty conditions, with one foot near the mainsheet cleat if I need to release it quickly). The low position of the cleat, and the downward pull needed to release the sheet, can make it difficult to release the sheet quickly. The situation has me wanting to raise my mainsheet cleat higher off of the cockpit floor to facilitate quicker release from anywhere in the cockpit. I've tried doing this using a loop of line or shackles, but the problem with that is that the block, shackles and whatever else bang around like crazy when I'm reaching or running in light and/or sloppy conditions. Has anyone developed a solution? Thanks! Gordon _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!
Hi, Doug: Yes, I have an M17. Your and Al's solution sounds interesting, and I may try it. Releasing the sheet would be quicker and easier from anywhere in the cockpit; I'd just have to see how I like the reverse action to cleat. Thanks! Gordon On Jul 16, 2010, at 2:51 PM, Doug Kelch wrote:
Gordon,
I presume you have an M17.
When sailing with Al Williams in his M17 the downward pressure required to release the main drove me crazy. It is the opposite of the M15.
AL and I took the block mechanism apart and inverted the cleat so that you would pull up to release it. That of course moves the problem to using your foot to cleat it. Al may have hated this and put it back the way it was but I thought it was unsafe.
Is this low cleat position with downward pressure required to release standard on M17's? If not, what is coming out of the factory today?
Thanks
Doug Kelch
________________________________ From: Gordon Gilbert <Gordon@FinancialWriting.net> To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Fri, July 16, 2010 7:21:39 AM Subject: M_Boats: Raising mainsheet block cleat for easier release
I was enjoying a fun, lively sail on Lake Michigan yesterday when a lull in the wind, followed by a hard gust, knocked me over a good bit. Part of the problem was that I was on the leeward side at the time, adjusting the jib sheet, away from my usual windward position (in gusty conditions, with one foot near the mainsheet cleat if I need to release it quickly). The low position of the cleat, and the downward pull needed to release the sheet, can make it difficult to release the sheet quickly.
The situation has me wanting to raise my mainsheet cleat higher off of the cockpit floor to facilitate quicker release from anywhere in the cockpit. I've tried doing this using a loop of line or shackles, but the problem with that is that the block, shackles and whatever else bang around like crazy when I'm reaching or running in light and/or sloppy conditions.
Has anyone developed a solution?
Thanks!
Gordon
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I noticed on the M17, previously named Pony Engine, that the main sheet cleat/block was raised up on a barney post. The fellow that bought it, Ed W, has posted on the M boat TrailerSailor forum. Not sure if he is subscribed to this list. I was curious if it was just a spacer tube on a pennant from the traveller, or was a rigid post and whether or not it was on a traveller or not. Could not see details on the pictures on the old website or the old listing on Sailing Texas. Bill Makin' Time M17 623 On Fri, Jul 16, 2010 at 3:51 PM, Doug Kelch <doug_kelch@yahoo.com> wrote:
Gordon,
I presume you have an M17.
When sailing with Al Williams in his M17 the downward pressure required to release the main drove me crazy. It is the opposite of the M15.
AL and I took the block mechanism apart and inverted the cleat so that you would pull up to release it. That of course moves the problem to using your foot to cleat it. Al may have hated this and put it back the way it was but I thought it was unsafe.
Is this low cleat position with downward pressure required to release standard on M17's? If not, what is coming out of the factory today?
Thanks
Doug Kelch
________________________________ From: Gordon Gilbert <Gordon@FinancialWriting.net> To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats < montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Fri, July 16, 2010 7:21:39 AM Subject: M_Boats: Raising mainsheet block cleat for easier release
I was enjoying a fun, lively sail on Lake Michigan yesterday when a lull in the wind, followed by a hard gust, knocked me over a good bit. Part of the problem was that I was on the leeward side at the time, adjusting the jib sheet, away from my usual windward position (in gusty conditions, with one foot near the mainsheet cleat if I need to release it quickly). The low position of the cleat, and the downward pull needed to release the sheet, can make it difficult to release the sheet quickly.
The situation has me wanting to raise my mainsheet cleat higher off of the cockpit floor to facilitate quicker release from anywhere in the cockpit. I've tried doing this using a loop of line or shackles, but the problem with that is that the block, shackles and whatever else bang around like crazy when I'm reaching or running in light and/or sloppy conditions.
Has anyone developed a solution?
Thanks!
Gordon
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Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!
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Hi all, I emailed Scott Simpson who owned the M17 Pony Engine. I had noticed his main sheet cleat was raised off the cockpit sole. Here is his reply below. Might be useful. The increased height of the cleat would change the lead angle of bitter end of the main sheet. *"Hi Bill,* *I used specrta line (high-tensile strength) attached to a s.s. shackle covered by a 1.5" plastic stay cover (spacer). The traveler was free for adjustments simply by lifting up the stay cover. The set-up worked very well. Only when there was little or no wind, or in irons did the cover gently bump against the cockpit seats." * On Fri, Jul 16, 2010 at 3:51 PM, Doug Kelch <doug_kelch@yahoo.com> wrote:
Gordon,
I presume you have an M17.
When sailing with Al Williams in his M17 the downward pressure required to release the main drove me crazy. It is the opposite of the M15.
AL and I took the block mechanism apart and inverted the cleat so that you would pull up to release it. That of course moves the problem to using your foot to cleat it. Al may have hated this and put it back the way it was but I thought it was unsafe.
Is this low cleat position with downward pressure required to release standard on M17's? If not, what is coming out of the factory today?
Thanks
Doug Kelch
________________________________ From: Gordon Gilbert <Gordon@FinancialWriting.net> To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats < montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Fri, July 16, 2010 7:21:39 AM Subject: M_Boats: Raising mainsheet block cleat for easier release
I was enjoying a fun, lively sail on Lake Michigan yesterday when a lull in the wind, followed by a hard gust, knocked me over a good bit. Part of the problem was that I was on the leeward side at the time, adjusting the jib sheet, away from my usual windward position (in gusty conditions, with one foot near the mainsheet cleat if I need to release it quickly). The low position of the cleat, and the downward pull needed to release the sheet, can make it difficult to release the sheet quickly.
The situation has me wanting to raise my mainsheet cleat higher off of the cockpit floor to facilitate quicker release from anywhere in the cockpit. I've tried doing this using a loop of line or shackles, but the problem with that is that the block, shackles and whatever else bang around like crazy when I'm reaching or running in light and/or sloppy conditions.
Has anyone developed a solution?
Thanks!
Gordon
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Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!
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Interesting. Thanks, Bill! Gordon On Jul 16, 2010, at 9:41 PM, Bill Wickett wrote:
Hi all,
I emailed Scott Simpson who owned the M17 Pony Engine. I had noticed his main sheet cleat was raised off the cockpit sole.
Here is his reply below. Might be useful. The increased height of the cleat would change the lead angle of bitter end of the main sheet.
*"Hi Bill,* *I used specrta line (high-tensile strength) attached to a s.s. shackle covered by a 1.5" plastic stay cover (spacer). The traveler was free for adjustments simply by lifting up the stay cover. The set-up worked very well. Only when there was little or no wind, or in irons did the cover gently bump against the cockpit seats." * On Fri, Jul 16, 2010 at 3:51 PM, Doug Kelch <doug_kelch@yahoo.com> wrote:
Gordon,
I presume you have an M17.
When sailing with Al Williams in his M17 the downward pressure required to release the main drove me crazy. It is the opposite of the M15.
AL and I took the block mechanism apart and inverted the cleat so that you would pull up to release it. That of course moves the problem to using your foot to cleat it. Al may have hated this and put it back the way it was but I thought it was unsafe.
Is this low cleat position with downward pressure required to release standard on M17's? If not, what is coming out of the factory today?
Thanks
Doug Kelch
________________________________ From: Gordon Gilbert <Gordon@FinancialWriting.net> To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats < montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Fri, July 16, 2010 7:21:39 AM Subject: M_Boats: Raising mainsheet block cleat for easier release
I was enjoying a fun, lively sail on Lake Michigan yesterday when a lull in the wind, followed by a hard gust, knocked me over a good bit. Part of the problem was that I was on the leeward side at the time, adjusting the jib sheet, away from my usual windward position (in gusty conditions, with one foot near the mainsheet cleat if I need to release it quickly). The low position of the cleat, and the downward pull needed to release the sheet, can make it difficult to release the sheet quickly.
The situation has me wanting to raise my mainsheet cleat higher off of the cockpit floor to facilitate quicker release from anywhere in the cockpit. I've tried doing this using a loop of line or shackles, but the problem with that is that the block, shackles and whatever else bang around like crazy when I'm reaching or running in light and/or sloppy conditions.
Has anyone developed a solution?
Thanks!
Gordon
_______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!
_______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!
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Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!
I have a 2008 M17 and the main requires a downward pressure to release the sheet. This is so funny that this discussion popped up. I was out with a friend this past weekend with a friend that sails a Flying Scott. After taking the helm for a while he looked at my mainsheet and asked me if it bothered me that I have to reach down so low to releast the sheet. Up until then I had never given it much thought. But the more I thought about it the more it concerned me if I had to dump the main in an emergency. I'm going to flip the cam cleat around and see how that works. I realize the compromise will be the reverse of what I have now, meaning I will have to reach down to set the sheet but a quick jerk will let it go free. Hmm, anyone done that yet?? Joe M17 Seafrog ----- Original Message ----- From: Doug Kelch To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Sent: Friday, July 16, 2010 3:51 PM Subject: Re: M_Boats: Raising mainsheet block cleat for easier release Gordon, I presume you have an M17. When sailing with Al Williams in his M17 the downward pressure required to release the main drove me crazy. It is the opposite of the M15. AL and I took the block mechanism apart and inverted the cleat so that you would pull up to release it. That of course moves the problem to using your foot to cleat it. Al may have hated this and put it back the way it was but I thought it was unsafe. Is this low cleat position with downward pressure required to release standard on M17's? If not, what is coming out of the factory today? Thanks Doug Kelch ________________________________ From: Gordon Gilbert <Gordon@FinancialWriting.net> To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Fri, July 16, 2010 7:21:39 AM Subject: M_Boats: Raising mainsheet block cleat for easier release I was enjoying a fun, lively sail on Lake Michigan yesterday when a lull in the wind, followed by a hard gust, knocked me over a good bit. Part of the problem was that I was on the leeward side at the time, adjusting the jib sheet, away from my usual windward position (in gusty conditions, with one foot near the mainsheet cleat if I need to release it quickly). The low position of the cleat, and the downward pull needed to release the sheet, can make it difficult to release the sheet quickly. The situation has me wanting to raise my mainsheet cleat higher off of the cockpit floor to facilitate quicker release from anywhere in the cockpit. I've tried doing this using a loop of line or shackles, but the problem with that is that the block, shackles and whatever else bang around like crazy when I'm reaching or running in light and/or sloppy conditions. Has anyone developed a solution? Thanks! Gordon _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet! _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!
I flipped mine and have it on a line-loop extension. (releases up) I sail solo for the most part and find myself sitting on the coaming if I am sailing hard or too lazy to reduce sail. I can easily release my main even in big pressure. As someone mentioned here I think....I might have to jam my foot against the shackle area below the block to get enough purchase to click the sheet back in. This mod worked well for me. In fact, I just tied a quick loop in some spare 1/4" braid three years ago to try it and it hasn't moved since. Yes, the block can bang the cockpit bench reaching in light stuff, but I usually just place a cushion under it....or more often than not just furl the main. Reaching in wind that light is irritating at best...and a deal breaker more often than not. 1983 M17 PUFF Tim in Kelowna -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Joe Murphy Sent: July 16, 2010 20:29 To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: Re: M_Boats: Raising mainsheet block cleat for easier release I have a 2008 M17 and the main requires a downward pressure to release the sheet. This is so funny that this discussion popped up. I was out with a friend this past weekend with a friend that sails a Flying Scott. After taking the helm for a while he looked at my mainsheet and asked me if it bothered me that I have to reach down so low to releast the sheet. Up until then I had never given it much thought. But the more I thought about it the more it concerned me if I had to dump the main in an emergency. I'm going to flip the cam cleat around and see how that works. I realize the compromise will be the reverse of what I have now, meaning I will have to reach down to set the sheet but a quick jerk will let it go free. Hmm, anyone done that yet?? Joe M17 Seafrog ----- Original Message ----- From: Doug Kelch To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Sent: Friday, July 16, 2010 3:51 PM Subject: Re: M_Boats: Raising mainsheet block cleat for easier release Gordon, I presume you have an M17. When sailing with Al Williams in his M17 the downward pressure required to release the main drove me crazy. It is the opposite of the M15. AL and I took the block mechanism apart and inverted the cleat so that you would pull up to release it. That of course moves the problem to using your foot to cleat it. Al may have hated this and put it back the way it was but I thought it was unsafe. Is this low cleat position with downward pressure required to release standard on M17's? If not, what is coming out of the factory today? Thanks Doug Kelch ________________________________ From: Gordon Gilbert <Gordon@FinancialWriting.net> To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Fri, July 16, 2010 7:21:39 AM Subject: M_Boats: Raising mainsheet block cleat for easier release I was enjoying a fun, lively sail on Lake Michigan yesterday when a lull in the wind, followed by a hard gust, knocked me over a good bit. Part of the problem was that I was on the leeward side at the time, adjusting the jib sheet, away from my usual windward position (in gusty conditions, with one foot near the mainsheet cleat if I need to release it quickly). The low position of the cleat, and the downward pull needed to release the sheet, can make it difficult to release the sheet quickly. The situation has me wanting to raise my mainsheet cleat higher off of the cockpit floor to facilitate quicker release from anywhere in the cockpit. I've tried doing this using a loop of line or shackles, but the problem with that is that the block, shackles and whatever else bang around like crazy when I'm reaching or running in light and/or sloppy conditions. Has anyone developed a solution? Thanks! Gordon _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet! _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet! _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet! No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.830 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3008 - Release Date: 07/15/10 11:35:00
Gordon: I have the same problem with my M17 and tried reversing the cleat so that it releases on the up pull, but that causes problems trying to cleat it in light air. I'm back to the original arrangement but still would like something better; maybe a stiff mount that holds the block so it can't flop around. It seems that pulling up to release is more instinctual, and the jib sheet cleats work that way. --Gary Hyde 2005 M17 #637 sailboat 'Hydeaway 2' On Jul 16, 2010, at 7:21 AM, Gordon Gilbert wrote:
I was enjoying a fun, lively sail on Lake Michigan yesterday when a lull in the wind, followed by a hard gust, knocked me over a good bit. Part of the problem was that I was on the leeward side at the time, adjusting the jib sheet, away from my usual windward position (in gusty conditions, with one foot near the mainsheet cleat if I need to release it quickly). The low position of the cleat, and the downward pull needed to release the sheet, can make it difficult to release the sheet quickly.
The situation has me wanting to raise my mainsheet cleat higher off of the cockpit floor to facilitate quicker release from anywhere in the cockpit. I've tried doing this using a loop of line or shackles, but the problem with that is that the block, shackles and whatever else bang around like crazy when I'm reaching or running in light and/or sloppy conditions.
Has anyone developed a solution?
Thanks!
Gordon
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participants (7)
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Bill Wickett -
Doug Kelch -
Gary M Hyde -
Gordon Gilbert -
Gordon Gilbert
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Joe Murphy -
Tim Diebert