Main Cam Cleat Not Holding

Hi sailors!

The main sheet keeps coming out of the cam cleat, more so on light downwinders when the main lower block is lazily bouncing to and fro. The cam cleat is probably 12 years old and so I replaced the cam cleat 3 days ago with the aluminum version (thinking better quality) and took it out for a few nights in the Florida keys back country. Same thing happened with it. It wouldn't hold all the time. While studying the problem, I have a suspicion it's because of the angle the cam cleat is mounted to the main lower block. I think if it was angled maybe 20-30 degrees more toward the tramp (downward) that the main sheet would stay locked in. When I currently lock in the main sheet while seated on the wing, I pull up and it locks in the cam cleat. But only about 1/2 - 3/5 of the sheet is being gripped by the cam cleat. I bet if repeat that action–locking the main sheet– while standing up, it'd hold the entire main sheet... due to the upward angle I'd be pulling in that sheet.

My goal is to have main cam cleat lock and hold the main sheet no matter what's happening.

Just curious if any of you have had the same issue.

Bonus material: I actually replaced it twice now trying to solve the problem. The first time was with a more expensive Spinlock cam cleat (because the same Nautos cam cleat wasn't available at the store). It worked well other than it made that angle more extreme to where if I wanted to lock in the main sheet at all, I'd have to stand up. So that's when I ordered the aluminum factory replacement cam cleat made by Nautos.

I believe these Nautos blocks are similar to other brands...in which case
the Cleat yoke is separate from the blocks allowing it to pivot on the axle.

Loosen the center S/S block axle, using allen wrench(es)

This (will hopefully) allow you to adjust the cleat yoke to the angle of your liking.

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1984 H16 "Mister Rogers"
1984 H14 "Sundays"
2000 H20 "Jet"
Sheet In, Max Out

Problem solved! So simple. Thank you!

I have mine set so I have to pull UP to lock it off. I DON'T want it locked off unintentionally. In anything but light winds, I keep the sheet in hand, so I can trim as I sail, and let out in heavy gusts.

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Yet another Bob!
"Firefly" - 2012 Hobie Getaway with wings and spinnaker
"Sparky" - 1978 Sunfish (OK, it's not a Hobie, but it's a fun little craft)
Too many canoes and kayaks

I sail with the same technique. My goal was poorly written (and confusing) and so here is the more accurate version:

My goal is that the main cam cleat doesn't release the main sheet when I don't want it to.