Cal 20

[northoceanbeach]

My mainsheet tackle on the cal20 I just bought is subpar at best. Does anyone know of how to fix it or can recommend a better or simple system to replace it with?

On it now there is a double cam cleat at the end of an eight inch metal swivel. There is no block on the swivel just a metal loop the sheet goes through with a pice of cutout metal that look like it used to hold a block or something, though I can't figure out how to fit one. The main problem I am having is that the tackle swivel to face the stern and the sheet gets twisted by the metal loop so if you release it the sheet does feed out, it just gets caught. Its a bad system really, the pull from the sheet also bends the metal up. Thanks for any advice from what you have on yours, or how you replced it.

[sailaway21]

nob,
I'm thinking you might have something similar to what is on my Cal21'. If you look at these swivel cam cleats from Harken one might look somewhat familiar. Note that the ones with the springs sticking up require your selection of a block to mount there. Harkenstore Product Category
I'm presuming that the block and cleat in question mount on the starboard quarter gunwale of your boat. If on the mounting base it says F130 Austrailia you probably have the same block I have. I replaced it with one of the Harkens. You can size them up at a West Marine for what you need.

Welcome to sailnet. You've got one of the Cal's of enduring popularity. There's a thread here on a fellow who restored one and the pictures are phenomenal. You'll have to look for it, just check under Cal 20 in the archives. I'm sure it will be of help to you.

[northoceanbeach]

Yeah! It's exactly like an older version of one of those. It's mounts right in the center of the boat about a foot and a half from the back. there is a block on the back of the boat directly behind it a foot and a half, and blocks on either back corner.

If you look here

---whoops would not let me post a link-----------

it's like 326. And see how 326 has the metal loop right there, the tension from the sail pulls on the sheet, which in turn pulls on the swivel mount, which turns around and faces the back, which twists the sheet on the metal loop at the back of the cam cleat, locking it in place, so you have to use both hands to feed it through.

On my swivel mount, instead of a spring, there is a little piece of metal sticking up with a small hole in it. I can't figure out how this would hold a block, or if mopunting a block there would do anything in the first place.

[northoceanbeach]

hmm, I'm not very mechanical.

I'm looking closer, and I think that a spring is supposed to go over that metal piece and that's what holds the block from flopping around. Maybe that would make mine work.

I still can't see what that block does though.

[sailaway21]

You need ten posts to enter a link. On my old swivel block the sheave was captive and not mounted on a spring as in the Harken photo.

[sailaway21]

nob,
You'll find this link, originally posted by one of our members Jim H., well worth your time. Cal 20 Restoration Set 1
Pay particular attention to the "Cal 20 visit" photos. A lot of these boats are raced and have had the rigging modified from the original. You'll see adjustable backstays and other non-standard rigging. You should though get an idea of what you need.

[gandydancer48]

Just thought I would post a comment. I have just bought a cal 20. Since I am new to all this thought I would try and make as many contacts as possible. Actually new to sailing. This one is a 66 with a roller furling on the jib.
thanks
Rich