Main sheet cam releases down

[chimerakc]

Hi folks, new to this forum but not to sailing or the Compacs. Had a 16 up in Boston. Now a 23 down in Florida. I dont know if the boat came this way from Compac but the cam releases down, which is not good. Under pressure you have to be right on it to release it.

I know I can switch to one that faces up but it would require different holes through the deck in that area which I would not want to do, nor do I think I can even access underneath the deck there.  The existing block/cam has 4 screws, this one has 3.

I think I can attach an upward releasing cam like in the second photo, on top of the existing one which would be weird but I would think could work. Any suggestions?

[brackish]

Need a pic of existing to comment/advise.  The picture shown is what I have and it is good in that the frame swivels and it can be adjusted up and down for angle. 

[chimerakc]

I cant see how to attach a photo, although I did in my post. The insert button just puts letters in the post?

thanks

[chimerakc]

So finally figured out how to attach a photo.   I am thinkng I can put another pin in the top of this one to attach the camblock I  posted in my earlier email....

[Catawampus]

Move the pin that the line passes through closer to the cam. This should swing the cam up making it easier to release with a downward pull.

[chimerakc]

Hmm - I moved that awhile ago, but I think I moved it in the wrong direction.   Will try that.   I am almost sure Compac installed this so it must release fairly easy...THANKS

[chimerakc]

So now I see that cam maybe can be unscrewed and turned over and screwed back on?  Could be that simple, will try....

[chimerakc]

I noticed in the photo of the one you have there is no lead for the line as part of that - just the cam?   Not sure that would work if I end up trying to attach it somehow - it would need a block somewhere else to lead theline to the cam?

[brackish]

I noticed in the photo of the one you have there is no lead for the line as part of that - just the cam?   Not sure that would work if I end up trying to attach it somehow - it would need a block somewhere else to lead theline to the cam?

There is a lead block that sits atop the spring.  It is not shown because it is purchased separately and several blocks would work there.

I really don't see what you are talking about stacking that cam post on top of your existing setup.  With regard to the hole pattern I think you would be better off just filling and installing the new one.  I think you can get to the back of the screws through the port cockpit locker, although not easily.

[chimerakc]

That access would be very hard for me - big hands.   My friend who owns a 23 had a little kid crawl in there to hold a nut while he screwed the head of the bolt.....
I would just try to hook onto the pin thats on the existing block, if unscrewing and turning it over doesnt work.  Also if I just sawed off the existing block down below the spring there is a little eye there I could hook into - maybe the best idea of all.

Had a GREAT sail today here on Charlotte Harbor!

Thanks for you advice

Kip