Cleat on the Genoa Track

[andrewoliv]

Why is there a cleat on my Genoa Track? I have attached a photo.

[Faster]

It's quite nice to have, actually... it allows you to cleanly attach spring lines.. It ought to slide along the track to where ever it works best.

They are sometimes removed while sailing so as not to interfere with lead block settings and to avoid trip hazards and toe stubs, not to mention snagging a sheet now and then.

[andrewoliv]

Originally Posted by Faster

It's quite nice to have, actually... it allows you to cleanly attach spring lines.. It ought to slide along the track to where ever it works best.

They are sometimes removed while sailing so as not to interfere with lead block settings and to avoid trip hazards and toe stubs, not to mention snagging a sheet now and then.

Faster - Thanks. That is what I thought at first. However after inspection I do not trust attaching a dock line to this cleat. I should say there is a cleat on each track. (Starboard and Port) Does not seem secure enough to hold the boat.

I may end up removing both cleats unless I learn they have some value while sailing.

[smallboatlover]

placing fenders on the side of your boat. good place to cleat it off to.

[jnorten]

My vote: it is for securing spring lines. The skipper for whom I crew uses them for this purpose.

In fact, because of such a cleat, we are able to secure ourselves to the dock with only ONE line. Here is how:

-Finger pier is on starboard side when docked
-Approaching the slip, crew stands starboard side midship
-Entering slip, crew picks up starboard spring line from line caddy/hook at eye level on dock
-Crew places loop of spring line over starboard side genoa track cleat
-Helmsman places engine in idle forward
-Combination of idle forward and spring line tension pins boat against finger pier (make sure your spring line is not too long or else bow could crash into main dock
-Crew secures remaining lines, engine off.

We keep these cleats on the track while sailing. I cannot recall ever stubbing my toe while going forward, but the cleat can snag a sheet once in a while.

[HUGOSALT]

plus one for mid ship cleat used for single dock line as described by
jnorten above...use such cleat/method to dock when solo.

If you remove let me know, will buy if 1" track.

[chef2sail]

As said above/ Spring line ....first one used when I go singlehandined...after secured is easy to get othe rlines. Also first c;eat used when docking. keeps boat from hitting dock box or blowing out of the slip

Dave

[djodenda]

I bought those for my old Catalina 30, and they were great for spring lines.

Expensive, too... About $100, as I remember.

Don't throw 'em out!

[Tbrad]

In addition to the uses mentioned previously, it is also useful when single handing. Arriving at the dock with my Catalina; I attach a dock line to the cleat and step off and take a wrap around the first dock cleat which keeps the bow into the dock. After securing the stern line I am free to leisurely stroll forward and secure the bow line.

[Sailormon6]

I wouldn't worry about it's strength. I used one for a spring line during Hurricane Irene last year, and it did fine.