Rope stropped block with a cam cleat?

[captsct]

I was wondering if anyone has made a roped stropped block with an attached cam cleat, or other such hold the rope fast device? I want to make a set of blocks for my boat's main sheet, but want the convenience of having a cam cleat right there so I don't have to hold the line or tie off other places. I've been contemplating doing something like this:




I know it should be a triple to get the cleat centered and the pull balanced. But you get the idea. I would have the brass bar inset into the cheeks to resist twisting up or down. The axle pin through the bar for strength. I get the feeling I'm missing something obvious. Has anyone else tried this, or didn't because there's a better and simpler way that I don't see? This is my 1st sailboat so the sails rigging is not second nature for me.

Thanks,
Scott

[wizbang 13]

I have made many rope stropped blocks, but never tried this.
The simplicity of my blocks would not conform to the inset brass support.
Off the top, I think a single, (or three) not a triple, would give less trouble.
I have not seen conventional blocks mount the cam cleat like that , so......

[Ian McColgin]

Only if you whittle the cams from locust.

[Woxbox]

You can just take a bight in the bitter end and jam it against the block under the lines. A bit of practice to find the right spot and you'll find it will hold just fine. A tug will free it, too. Just like a cam cleat.

[Sailor]

A racing dinghy will often have a cam cleat arrangement on the main sheet block as it exits to the skipper's hand. Maybe try fashioning something after what they use?

[Wooden Boat Fittings]

A racing dinghy will often have a cam cleat arrangement on the main sheet block as it exits to the skipper's hand. Maybe try fashioning something after what they use?

Like this --

[johnno]

IN principle there's nothing wrong with the idea, and I guess it is indeed from dinghy mainsheet blocks that you've got the idea. Is there really nowhere on the boat nearby the block that you can attach a jam cleat in a conventional way? If not, keep going for sure, but keep drawing. You seem to have space above the sheave for the sheet but not below on your drawing. Also I'd line up the cleat with the sheet as it exits the sheave instead of having it come at an angle, to make sure the cleat works. And I'd add another fixing to the angle bracket to stop it rotating.

[Peerie Maa]

You can just take a bight in the bitter end and jam it against the block under the lines. A bit of practice to find the right spot and you'll find it will hold just fine. A tug will free it, too. Just like a cam cleat.

+1, this has worked for centuries with a double block.

[captsct]

Thanks, I knew I was missing the KISS solution. Once everything is in place and launched, a bight jammed in the block it will be. If I find I have trouble reaching the block from where I sit, I don't think I will, I'll look for that racing dinghy swivel cam arrangement.

Much appreciated, for you're help in keeping me from making a fool of myself, too much.

Scott

[Hughman]

another option is to make the sheave pin extend out far enough on either side to cleat the line on. This can be somewhat hazardous when it flails around, however. you can leather or serve the pin to reduce the morbidity..

[Ben Fuller]

If you really want to make something cool try the Dutch hook blocks; the shell has a thumb that sticks down and the sheet coming down from the boom is hooked under it and the bight jammed. Very cool. They also have a high load block that has the axle extending beyond the shell providing a cleat.

[Woxbox]

One important caution with the traditional method -- make sure that your technique for jamming the line does not involve grasping it close to the sheave. Any unexpected jerk on the sheet and your fingers can get pulled into the block.

[Wooden Boat Fittings]

If you really want to make something cool try the Dutch hook blocks; the shell has a thumb that sticks down and the sheet coming down from the boom is hooked under it and the bight jammed.

Like this --