Proper Rope Clutch Size

[Patrick_Seattle]

I'm looking at Lewmar D2 Rope Clutches and two of them can fit my line.
The diameters they support are as follows:
5/16" - 3/8"
3/8" - 7/16"

I'm using 3/8" Stay-Set X for my halyards.

So the question is does the smaller clutch cause more abrasion?
Will the larger clutch be more prone to creeping?

What Would a Rigger Do? (WWRD?)

Thanks!
-p

[Ian McColgin]

Easy. If the working load is lower than the working load for the smaller unit, it's worth the price saving. If the working load is near or higher than that, go bigger. The specs are readily available but make it about 880#.

With these clutches, as I recall, abrasion of the line is not an issue. Nor, if I recall the feel, is it much easier to release either under loads in the range of the smaller unit.

G'luck

[Patrick_Seattle]

Wouldn't happen to have that halyard load formula handy would ya? I assume it's in "the book" but my copy is down on the boat. I wish it was available on the kindle so I could carry it around on my laptop (using Kindle for PCs).

-p

[Patrick_Seattle]

Never mind, they both have the same working load 1200kg. So I can go with the smaller.

[Tigi Too]

Hello!
I am new to the forum so if I am making any forum faux pauxs please be patient!

OK we have a Newport 41 mk II and we have been using Spinloc XTS triple rope clutches. The halyard (10mm) has always slipped and now our Asym Kite halyard (10mm) is slipping. I suspect the jib halyard is slipping but it is not as noticeable. After numerous emails with Spinloc (they have been as helpful as they can be) I am trying to ascertain if I need to go the next level rope clutch?
It appears one big question is what is the load at the clutch - if I can figure that out I can then spec out the clutch - perhaps going to a Lewmar D2.
So any thoughts-suggestions-help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
This has come on the heels on seeing a friend's recently purchased J122 and he seems to have bigger clutches than mine.
Dieter Hugel

[Stumble]

Hey Dieter,

Generally the recommendation is to use a clutch where the line is in the upper range of the size... So a 6-10mm clutch works best with 10mm line. With really highly loaded lines like racing halyards the only thing I have seen that really works is a double clutch. Where the line runs through both of them. If you go look at Lesson #1 they use this on the main halyard.

Downside is you have two clutches. Upside is you can ease the line simply by working the clutches.

[Tigi Too]

Stumble:

Do I know you? Not sure who this is? Thanks.

Dieter

[Stumble]

Dieter,

Sorry, I thought my name was in the signature.

Its Greg Rubin, We own 'So Far' in New Orleans.

[Tigi Too]

Greg:
Many thanks for sharing. OK so my 10mm is in the middle of the range - 12mm still seems to slip - slightly. I have changed the cams but not the base plates - do you think a base plate change would help or just wishful thinking?
I put a tension gauge on the halyard and it was about 930lbs of pressure.
I will go look at Lesson#1 but am trying to keep cabin top as clean as possible. Any other thoughts?

BTW my direct email is dmichaelhugel@g-c-m.com.

Hope to see you around the pier sometime!
Best!

Dieter

[Stumble]

There are a couple of ways to minimize slippage, i just depends on how exotic you want to get.

-Replacing the base can help if it is just worn jaws.
-Adding a second clutch is probably the easiest solution.
-Switching to a 2:1 halyard would reduce the load on the line by half which will help a lot. It also reduced mast compression which is a nice benefit.
-Adding a halyard lock will eliminate the problem entirely. But is a bit overkill for what you are doing.

There are also some procedural steps you can take.
- Tighten the halyard with the clutch open, then close it once the sail is up will help.
- Slowly easing tension off the winch will help
- Using the cunningham to make up the slack