Dart 15 Forums

Hi,

My mainsheet cleat was getting very unreliable. At the same time, the block was very bashed. So I've replaced it and today was my first sail. The new cleat has vertical edges making the slot for the sheet, the old one had the top chamfered. The new cleat has a plastic guard to keep the sheet ready to cleat, the old one had metal (and I see the metal version is available to buy from Windsport). A couple of questions

1. Initially, I put the pin through the same hole giving the cleat the same angle. However, I found it very hard to uncleat. So I'm now on the 2nd hole from the cleat rather than the 3rd. Is that expected/typical?

2. Would it be worth swapping the old metal cleat guard onto the new cleat instead of the new plastic cleat guard? Is it considered an upgrade? Does it let the sheet run out more easily or something?

Anyway the new cleat does seem a big improvement. No more slipping or jumping out of the cleat at unexpected times

At the same time I have replaced my forestay strop with a new one, the old was looking in quite poor condition. Only remaining standing rigging not yet replaced is the forestay (waiting for the Spring).

Dave

Hi Dave , the current replacement cleat is in response to the change in rope manufacture over the years.
Angle of cleat is personal and may well need adjustment when a new cleat or rope is fitted.
The plastic fairlead is now supplied with all ratchet blocks and on the Dart 18 and Sprint 15 catamarans and designed to sit neatly on top of the new cleat.
You are welcome to fit your old s/s fairlead from your old cleat if you prefer that option.
Windsport continues to work with our suppliers to deliver replacement parts that reduce maintenance and increases serviceability .
Hope that helps
Brian
Windsport Sprint 15 technical support.

Thanks Brian,

I'm going to stick with the plastic fairlead until I have given it a proper going through.

Dave