Cam cleats

I have always had a problem anchoring my canoe and have been looking for a way to anchor both ends from my seat. Found the answer http://www.basspro.com/Replacement-K...25377/-1767455. I bought the Jr size it is hooded so the anchor line wont come out. I used 5# dumbells bought at Walmart and it worked great at the fish-in. I can drop 25' of anchor line in seconds and all you have to do is pull the line down and it bites in and is locked. Then you can one hand the line up if you want, it will lock when you let go. Quivira kid can tell you how good they work, he was in the canoe with me.

I've been looking for something like this also. What type of rope are you using and how long have you had the cleats? How did you mount them, they look too long to have both end screws in the canoe spreader bar.

I'm also wondering about rope wear, I've been using a standard cleat and, because its metal and starting to rust slightly, it's starting to fray the poly prop rope I've been using. I was thinking of using the quarter round cam cleats but haven't been able to find them or any one that is using them.

They are2 about 2" long I am using 1/8 braided nylon rope. I will post pics when I get home today. No idea on wear just installed them a week ago.

Steve,

Most guides using drift boats us a cleated system to hold their anchors and it works great, Theirs has a foot release so they just have to step on it to release the rope to drop anchor.

Make sure you have a knot in the end of the rope. Sometimes the rope works its way out of the holder and will slowly slide out, no knot, no rope.

If you are using this in moving water make sure you have a very sharp knive to cut the anchor cord if you need to. Anchors sometimes get stuck on the bottom or the water may be too fast and it can actually drab your boat under water.

Larry ---sagefisher---

The past 3 or 4 years I have used a cam cleat with a dog leash for the anchor line. It has worked out great and I haven't had to replace the cleat yet.

I have anchors coming out both front and back. Larry is dead on about being careful in moving water. having an anchor stick in heavy current is a great way to die.

Here is my set up. You might have to scroll down to get to it...

http://www.derekspace.net/fishpic19.htm#anch

http://www.derekspace.net/Photos/stuff/packmods006.jpg

I agree with the advice on having a method of cutting the anchor line, but do not particularly like a sharp pointed knife around my pontoon. If you can figure out where to buy one or two of these film cutter they would appear to be excellent for that purpose unless you are using some serious line for your anchor. I could sell you a box of 100 but not just one, I'm afraid that's a problem with finding it. They are about half a dollar and designed for warehouse work cutting plastic wrap off cartons.
Attachment 8442

Here are the cleats installed on my canoe. I fish still water lakes, pits and ponds. If I ever get into flowing water I will remember the advice to keep a knife handy. The cleats are held in place with 3" stainless screws and nyloc nuts So I don't need to worry about them coming undone. I have one front and rear so I can anchor solid. Attachment 8444Attachment 8445Attachment 8443

steveks, good job! The anchor line is dead center with the keel line.

Uncle Jesse, love your idea of the film cutter! Never thought of that. I use scissors that have plastic covering the tips but your idea is hands down safer, easier, and faster. Thanks!

Boyscout

I don't like sharp pointy things around my balloons. Accident happen. A Wyoming gut hook would probably be perfect.

There are Cam Cleats, but what you are referring to and showing are "CLAM Cleats".

i would call them jam cleats

Cam cleats are different from clam cleats. As catamaran sailor I preferred cam cleats for things where I had to reposition my hands a lot and did not have use of both hands to do the job.

this page shows cam cleats and clam cleats as well as jam cleats

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...Search?Ns=Most Popular|0

the above search result probably will fail in a few days so here is an example of a cam cleat:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...classNum=10239

I have used this type of cam cleat
http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/21700...ge/8825192.jpg
They are common on sail boats. The wire in front is optional and the ones I use don't have that guide. The cams are spring loaded and will grip on different sized lines. Buy the smaller ones for a kayak or canoe. The line always pops out and a knife is never needed.

A friend of mine is a wooden boat builder and very talented wood worker. For his solo boat, he constructed a contraption that fits on the fore and aft deck with a pulley roller that he runs his anchor line through. Then attached a open CAM cleat that he can lock off the anchor with. He uses both the fore and aft so he can keep the canoe positioned the way he likes. It's pretty brilliant and I think he said he stole or improved on someone else's idea but the only thing he had to drill was the thwart for the cam cleat. The contraptions on the bow and stern stay put without tension and can be taken off when not used. I'll try to find pics.

I have a bass pro gift card and will be using it now..need to upgrade the toon for lakes...I like to wind troll flies and this will work to drop the anchor fast, Thanks for the ideas..