Reef Line Tension

[Bash]

Originally Posted by ADMPRTR

So that would target a load of 1090 to 1280 (depending on which calculation). The upper value exceeds the XAS SWL by 30%. Is is reasonable to expect in that situation to use a spare cleat to help relieve the tension?

BTW, what do you mean by "great way to begin a Charlie Foxtrot", please?

I want the systems on my boat to be idiot proof. What happens when a crew member uses that clutch for the third reef in a gale, not realizing that you'd intended it to be backed up by a spare cleat during any winds over Force 6? At that point why even bother with the clutch; why not have the third reef go directly to a cleat?

Sorry about the charlie foxtrot reference. sometimes "charlie" stands for "cruisers," for example as in "cruisers forum." at other times, it stands for "cluster."

[ADMPRTR]

Originally Posted by Bash

I want the systems on my boat to be idiot proof. What happens when a crew member uses that clutch for the third reef in a gale, not realizing that you'd intended it to be backed up by a spare cleat during any winds over Force 6? At that point why even bother with the clutch; why not have the third reef go directly to a cleat?

Ya, good point. And if it does go it will always be at the worst possible time. So, I think I should seriously consider getting it to work with the XTS. I know, a new dodger that fits better.... isn't that always the way these things are, one small change has a cascading impact on other systems...

Originally Posted by Bash

Sorry about the charlie foxtrot reference. sometimes "charlie" stands for "cruisers," for example as in "cruisers forum." at other times, it stands for "cluster."

Ahhh, I get it now... thanks.

[Jim Cate]

How about using Lewmar clutches rather than Spinlock? Their handles open the opposite way. I also like them better in applications where you need to open them under load... they will, while my Spinlocks need to be unloaded to open.

Cheers,

Jim

[ADMPRTR]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will look it up. The Spinlock was what was recommended to me as being a better product. Do you feel that designation is misguided?

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by ADMPRTR

Thanks for the suggestion. I will look it up. The Spinlock was what was recommended to me as being a better product. Do you feel that designation is misguided?

Well, as I said, I like the Lewmars better in general. I use them for various things on Insatiable II, including the running backstay tails. I load these up pretty hard with Barient 27's and routinely release them under full load. You can't do this with Spinlocks... I've broken the handles and/or cams on my halyard Spinlocks trying to do that (lessons learned the hard way on a new boat). Now I always have to take a winch handle forward when preparing to drop or reef the main in order to unload the halyard.

Many folks seem to prefer the Spinlocks... I don't know why!

Cheers,

Jim

[ADMPRTR]

Thanks for your comments. The Lewmars at my local store are actually a bit less expensive so that this a nice bonus. In looking at the specifications Lewmar they have a value for "Min Holding Load" of 1550. What does that mean?

[Paul Elliott]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

...and routinely release them under full load. You can't do this with Spinlocks...

Lewmars are fine clutches, but I've never had any trouble releasing my Spinlocks under heavy load. I've got Spinlock XCS (or similar) on VALIS.

[Weyalan]

Reef lines are generally needed when things are getting ugly. If in doubt, over-spec 'em. The potential negative consequences of breaking a reef-line (whether it be the line, the jammer or the blocks) in a storm are considerable.

[ADMPRTR]

I have decided to go with the Lewmars. They address both the size issue and the load issue (being able to handle 2650lb). Now all I need to do it decide if I also want to run by boom vang back to the cockpit.... so many decisions... Thanks all!