Spinlock PXR Cam Cleat

[Bolo]

There was some brief discussion someplace on this web site recently about the new Spinlock PXR Cam Cleat. I did a little research into this new item because I was interested in removing the cam cleats on my Harkin traveler and replacing their function with Spinlock PXR Cam Cleats. At present the traveler cam cleats are mounted on the traveler, as most are, and this has presented a problem when the main sail is under load. It takes my two hands with a flip of the wrist (and some practice) to undue the line from the cleat. My female first mate finds it impossible to do. I should say that we are both in our 70s but still very active. I sometimes found it necessary to de-power the main by letting out some main sheet to take the load off, set the traveler where I want it and then re-set the main sheet. The traveler is also located just forward of the dodger which adds a bit more of a challenge.

The Spinlock PXR Cam Cleat says that it incorporates a “Roller action ensures easy release under high load.” It comes in various versions too. So has anyone installed a Spinlock PXR Cam Cleat or at least consider them?

 

[Nick J]

I use them for the lazy jacks. Everyone finds them easy to use and intuitive. Ours obviously aren't heavily loaded, but i think they would handle that with no problem.

 

[Christian Williams]

My wife has the same trouble with the traveler cam cleats. In our case it's because she does'nt stand up, and tries to work the traveler from the companionway. My advice is always lost in the wind, but if she bothered to stand up and get an upward angle the lines would pop out of the cams a lot easier.

But it's true that in a breeze it does take a good pull and a quick upward yank, at least on the windward side. .

 

[Bolo]

My wife has the same trouble with the traveler cam cleats. In our case it's because she does'nt stand up, and tries to work the traveler from the companionway. My advice is always lost in the wind, but if she bothered to stand up and get an upward angle the lines would pop out of the cams a lot easier.

But it's true that in a breeze it does take a good pull and a quick upward yank, at least on the windward side. .

I could have wrote the same, Christian. Our ”first mates” don’t always listen to our advice, do they.

 

[windblown]

There was some brief discussion someplace on this web site recently about the new Spinlock PXR Cam Cleat. I did a little research into this new item because I was interested in removing the cam cleats on my Harkin traveler and replacing their function with Spinlock PXR Cam Cleats. At present the traveler cam cleats are mounted on the traveler, as most are, and this has presented a problem when the main sail is under load. It takes my two hands with a flip of the wrist (and some practice) to undue the line from the cleat. My female first mate finds it impossible to do. I should say that we are both in our 70s but still very active. I sometimes found it necessary to de-power the main by letting out some main sheet to take the load off, set the traveler where I want it and then re-set the main sheet. The traveler is also located just forward of the dodger which adds a bit more of a challenge.

The Spinlock PXR Cam Cleat says that it incorporates a “Roller action ensures easy release under high load.” It comes in various versions too. So has anyone installed a Spinlock PXR Cam Cleat or at least consider them?

View attachment 55635

I have these on my traveler. They work well for me, but guest crew members seem to find them confusing.

 

[Bolo]

I have these on my traveler. They work well for me, but guest crew members seem to find them confusing.

Why?!

 

[Out There]

I wonder if that would be better for my headsail reefing line than the current cam cleat with eye strap...

 

[windblown]

Why?!

I'm not sure. Perhaps it's because most of the cabin top rigging is run through clutches on Tradewinds? Or perhaps it's a lack of understanding of the function of the traveler, in general? The most common "oops" is when they unintentionally release the cam when compulsively organizing the various spaghetti into the line bags in the cockpit. Some don't understand that you can't tighten one side without releasing the other, etc.
On an afternoon pleasure sail, it's not really even a nuisance; it's just a pattern I've noticed.
I would do this set-up again; it works well for the Skipper.

 

[windblown]

I wonder if that would be better for my headsail reefing line than the current cam cleat with eye strap...

Seems like a rather pricey upgrade for that purpose. Because these can be released by an occasional misstep, loose sheet, or bump, it seems like this would raise the risk of having the headsail unfurl in a blow when you're away from the boat. What don't you like about your current cam cleat with eye strap setup?

 

[Out There]

Seems like a rather pricey upgrade for that purpose. Because these can be released by an occasional misstep, loose sheet, or bump, it seems like this would raise the risk of having the headsail unfurl in a blow when you're away from the boat. What don't you like about your current cam cleat with eye strap setup?

I didn't know they could be released so easily. I am a little paranoid about the the reefing line and cleat it off when I leave the boat and that causes it to pop out of the cam cleat most of the time. Still good but I would like to have two measures.
Considering a cheek block to the rear to better line it up with the winch. (not sure why my reefing line is so hard to pull in, maybe it's normal)

 

[Christian Williams]

Some don't understand that you can't tighten one side without releasing the other, etc.

I put the percentage of the some at 97%.

 

[windblown]

I didn't know they could be released so easily. I am a little paranoid about the the reefing line and cleat it off when I leave the boat and that causes it to pop out of the cam cleat most of the time. Still good but I would like to have two measures.
Considering a cheek block to the rear to better line it up with the winch. (not sure why my reefing line is so hard to pull in, maybe it's normal)

Understood. After installing this for your furler line (am I correct that we are using furler/reef line for your headsail interchangeably here?), I suspect you might still want to tie the line off on a cleat before leaving the boat, just to be sure. A clutch might provide you with more sleep, but I think it might add measurable friction to furling/unfurling, and that's not an improvement overall.
There has been lots of conversation on the forum about how much strength is needed to furl the heads ailments. For comparison, my wife is 79 yo and I am 66 yo, and together, we don't weigh over 300 lbs. Either one of us can furl our 135 genoa without using a winch, though the first couple of pulls can be a bear to get it started, but it gets easier from there. We've never used a winch for this in 10 seasons.

 

[Christian Williams]

so hard to pull in

It has to be luffing, of course. Should be only somewhat more difficult than at the dock. High wind and a full genoa require more force, but as Windblown says, only at first.

 

[Out There]

Sorry for the highjack @Bolo