[quote=bigkidneys]If I undersrtand this correctly, your clam cleat is only attached by the bottom hole, & can sort of swing, or pivot around?
It is fine to use that way.
I don't have a beach at my place & the water depth means I can "just" reach up to where the drum is. It was a pain to tie & untie the jib tensioner, so I added a small clam cleat. I use a Portuguese Turnbuckle to tension my rig, as it is easier to do solo. When I tied(bowline) the first loop of line to the 1" ring that attaches to the top of the drum, I ran the line through the bottom hole of the cleat. In essence the bottom hole is held in place by the bowline knot. The line then passes along the underside of the cleat, then up through the top hole, then to the forestay, & around for 5 loops. Only the first pass goes through the cleat. I can try to take a photo if this is not clear. Notice the top hole really adds no strength, all it does is keep the cleat from flopping downwards. To tension I simply pull the jib halyard, & place it in the cleat. You could do the same. Leave cleat atached at bottom, then add a short bit of thin line, to the top hole, just run it around the adjuster, or up to whereever it is convenient to tie. All it does is hold the cleat vertical. I've run mine like that all summer, works just as good as having both ends bolted.Edited by Edchris177 on Aug 11, 2011 - 07:29 AM. [/quote]
I think this is what the PO did as well. When playing around with it, I did exactly what you said and seemed to be ok but wasn't sure if it would hold up in high wind. The wind has been over 10mph all week and won't be able to try it out until this weekend when I am sure the wind will be non-existent... That is my luck![/quote]
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