C. Sherman Johnson 1/4 in Quick Release Lever

The C. Sherman Johnson 1/4 in Quick Release Lever is a Hyfield-style fitting developed for standing rigging that must be tensioned firmly but released quickly. It is particularly useful on high-performance multihulls and monohulls where a shroud or forestay may need to be opened without slowly backing off a turnbuckle. A positive stop helps keep fingers away from the pinch area as the lever is thrown open under load. The broad push pad also gives the operator more surface area when closing the fitting against rig tension.

The lever provides 2-1/8 in of take-up as it moves into its over-center locked position. A quick-release pin secures the mechanism after closure, and the extender arm has three adjustment holes for setup. The manufacturer lists an approximate breaking strength of 2,500 lb. On trailerable boats up to 26 ft, the fitting can also make mast stepping and unstepping easier when used on the forestay.

• Over-center lever provides rapid rig tensioning and release
• Positive stop reduces finger-pinching risk during opening
• Large push pad improves leverage while closing
• Three-hole extender arm with quick-release locking pin

Catamaran crews can also use this style of shroud lever to create the slack needed during capsize recovery procedures. The lever should be installed so the operating path is clear and the release pin can be reached without interfering with nearby rigging. Browse more Sailing Hardware for compatible hardware and related marine rigging components.