Cabin Top Clam Cleats for the Mainsheet

Tag: rigging

There have been several discussions over the years on our discussion forum about using the Mainsheet Clam Cleats that are mounted on the cabin top.  There has been some confusion from time to time about the purpose of the Red Spring Gate.  One might think that the purpose of this is to guide the line into the teeth of the cleat.  In fact, its purpose is precisely the opposite.  Its purpose is to Prevent the line from jamming in the cleat when you don't want it to.  When the gate is down, a line can be jammed in the cleat.  When the gate is up, it prevents a line from jamming in the cleat.