Simple DIY Jam Cleats

Legend has it that Einstein once said “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” In truth, the quote isn’t actually Einstein’s, but he did agree with it. And so do I, especially when it comes to jam cleats.

- Joel Bergen

Years ago I became frustrated with the four-cam cleats that I used for my halyards, roller furler, and centerboard lift. Cam cleats can too easily be released accidentally—in my case with very undesirable results. So I switched them all to horn cleats but became even more frustrated. Horn cleats pretty much always take two hands to make fast (unless you’re some sort of onehanded horn-cleating ninja). They would require too much attention for too long when things were hectic.