Compac 23 traveler setup

[fried fish]

Howdy Ho!
I am having frustrations with the presumed "stock" setup on our 84' compac 23. The fiddle block installed has a cam cleat at bottom to lock mainsheet. Quite often under strong winds, it is near impossible to un cleat that SOB mainsheet due to the angle and closeness to the deck. I would like to replace or modify to raise up that whole fiddle block with cleat. Any solutions?? Any suggestions? Thanks....
Captn Fred Fiss
AKA Fried Fish

[Bob23]

Capt:
   Welcome. I have experienced the same problem although I'd say "difficuilt" instead of "near impossible". I'd like to change to a traveller and mid-boom sheeting some time but for now, this is what I have:

Cheers!
Bob23

[BobK]

Bob23,

The cleat on your boat is mounted upside down from any I have ever used.  On my boat I have to pull the line down to cleat it but a quick pull will release it if necessary.

BobK

[Bob23]

Hmmm...I dunno. It came that way so I always assumed it was right. It is nice when cleating off.
Maybe I'll switch it around and see how it feels!
Bob23

[brackish]

Bob23,

The cleat on your boat is mounted upside down from any I have ever used.  On my boat I have to pull the line down to cleat it but a quick pull will release it if necessary.

BobK

Mine is like BobK's  the block is mounted on this swivel base, so plenty of height from the stern deck.  However it is still often difficult to release in high winds particularly if I'm sitting forward on the starboard side, so also considering a 6:1 ratio mid boom to bridge deck with traveler arrangement.

[curtisv]

Mine looks just like Brack's photo.  I've also considered a traveller.  It would be a big improvement in being able to control mainsail shape, mostly twist.

Curtis

[Allure2sail]

How about moving it into the cockpit like a 25 and 27. I can send you the track, you'll need a traveler and a bail for the boom.
Bruce

[Bob23]

That is my plan, Bruce, to install a track on the bridge deck just forward of the cockpit. It's on this winters list!
Bob23

[Greene]

That is my plan, Bruce, to install a track on the bridge deck just forward of the cockpit. It's on this winters list!
Bob23

Hmmmm.  I didn't realize the 2013 dayplanners were already on the shelves.

[HideAway]

Looks like Bob23 s has been raised to accommodate the release.   The reason it s mounted in what appears to be upside down is because it is easier to release in an emergency.   I don t know if putting a traveler on the cabin top would work.  You would have to put it as close to the entrance as possible to get any kind of leverage - I bang my head on stuff enough as it is!    Maybe put one on the bridge deck or more central.  It would be certainly better than The Triangle of Death arrangement we have. Matt

[Allure2sail]

Hi Bob23:
I assumed (embarrassing practice) that you were talking about moving the traveler to the area in the cockpit just before the companion way stairs (like on a 25 and 27. Were you thinking of putting it there or on the cabin roof?
Bruce
S/V Allure

[Bob23]

Hi Bruce:
   I'd rather put in on the bridge deck, not the cabin roof. That would mean I have to be a contortionist to get down below..I'm not the skinny or flexible. On the bridge deck, just forward of the cockpit is the most logical place. Sherie (anyone remember Blonde Ambition?) had her 23 set up that way and it looked great. The boat, that is. She looked great too, but that's another story.
   My son's Irwin FreeSpirit 21 is oufitted with mid-boom sheeting and a bridge deck mounted traveller system so I can see how the cockpit space would be impacted...it's not too bad especially considering that I usually sail alone.
   The famous NJ pirate PeterG modified his 19 "Beagle" using a custom made SS bracket mounted on the cabin roof and it didn't interfere much but I prefer mine on the bridge deck. If I ever get around to it!!!!
Bob23