[sailingdog]

Andy-

I think cam cleats are a better idea, especially for lines with such a variable load on them. Jam or clam cleats, like the ones you're currently using, tend to let go too easily in light winds, and can be hard to release in very heavy winds. Cam cleats tend to be more consistent, since they're depending on a spring to keep the cams closed, rather than the force of the pull on the line to keep it jammed in place. However, cam cleats don't "slip" like jam or clam cleats can—so it would depend on how much you need that slippage.

Originally Posted by arbarnhart

I may have worked out a solution for my jib sheet tangling issue. On a little boat like mine, the hardware for it is extremely simple. In this picture:



You can see the eye and the jam cleat. That's all there is. You pull the sheet tight and cleat it (and yes, it will slip when hit by a gust). What I am thinking is that when I am letting one sheet out, I need to be pulling the other in. But I have one hand on the tiller so I need to do it one handed. If I have the "off" sheet cleated with just a little slack in it, I could uncldeat the loaded line, slide my hand down the line trying not to release line as I do until I reach the other cleat, uncleat that line and then with both lines in the same hand move my hand along the cabin roof line so that I will be releasing one sheet while tightening the other. The downsides that occur to me are that I will be dragging the sheets across the (probably open) companion way and the practice could be rough on hands/gloves and line.

A related question - should I consider getting cam cleats instead? It almost seems like a safety feature that the jam cleats slip (I think it would help prevent knockdowns), but the last time out when I had a fairly steady brisk wind it was annoying.

BTW, when I seem a little overcautious, it's because though I am usally sailing single handed as far as the mechanics of sailing goes, I am usually not alone.