Joe, You can use a camcleat as was OEM on the jib halyard on the early 80's boats. I would recommend a Harken 150 with a bullseye fairlead forward of the cleat or a Harken 459 (incorporates fairlead); just remember your halyard may be accidentally loosened when the line is accidentally knocked out of the camcleat but a sheetstopper will securely lock the line. Actually the Harkens may be too easily operated for this application, find a stinky ol gummed up one that is a bit stiff to operate, actually if I can find my old jib halyard cleat you are welcome to it gratis. I will look around (don't hold your breath or postpone trips) Check Ronstan for camcleats as they make some 'good' ones too. They are not as slippery. Happy Thanksgiving to ALL on the list, Gary Oberbeck M-17 # 316 'LB/GF!' Team Geezer Racing....Old and In the Way. In a message dated 11/26/2008 2:50:35 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, seagray@embarqmail.com writes: Quick question. Would cam cleats mounted on the cabin top be substantial enough to serve as a clutch for the main halyard?? I was planning on putting a block at the base of the mast with a turning block on the cabin top and then running it aft through a cam cleat. I haven't had any problems just reaching over the cabin hatch to cleat the halyard off on the mast cleat, but started thinking about what I would do in an extreme emergency and needed to drop the main in a split second. Thanks, Joe _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats **************Life should be easier. So should your homepage. Try the NEW AOL.com. (http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-dp&icid=aolcom40vanity&ncid=emlcntaolcom000000...)