Brittle Rope Clutches - warning

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by daletournier

Hi Jim, yes Garhauer can be released under full load. In fairness to the Lewmars I haven't used them enough to have a valid opinion, they just dont seem to be as robust to me.

Cheers Dale.

Sent from my vivo Y35 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

Thanks for the info. should I need to replace any clutches, I'll give Garhauser a good look. But meanwhile, I've sure had good luck with Lewmars, both on this boat and on Insatiable the first.

Jim

[viben]

Thank you for all your input.

To summarize: I had very much expected that the clutches would by far outlive the ropes they are clutching. When that is not the case, however old the running rigging or the hardware might be, there seem to be problem....

[savoir]

If it's any help, the plastic bits of my clutches lasted 12 years. Last summer the handle on one of them snapped but, oddly enough, the jaws still work. the handles of the others are badly crazed and can't last too much longer.

If lines are only lasting 4 years it sounds like there is a chafe problem. Maybe a sharp sheave needs to be filed down.

[belizesailor]

Spinloks, but the metal sided models in groups, zero problems in 16 years.

[Yellowtulip]

I replaced two 28-year old Spinlock clutches last year as they had cracks in the sides. The other two look fine.

[SVNeko]

Yes, those plastic clutches are subject to UV damage. You can buy replacement cheeks if you need to.

[deluxe68]

Originally Posted by daletournier

Hi Jim, yes Garhauer can be released under full load. In fairness to the Lewmars I haven't used them enough to have a valid opinion, they just dont seem to be as robust to me.

Cheers Dale.

Sent from my vivo Y35 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

How do you know what the max load rating is for the Garhauer clutches? Not listed on their web site.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by deluxe68

How do you know what the max load rating is for the Garhauer clutches? Not listed on their web site.

\

All Most of these show their safe working load:

https://garhauermarine.com/catalog_process.cfm?cid=36

[Stu Jackson]

I've got five 32 year old Garhauer clutches. In perfect shape and work flawlessly.

I've got one 8 year old Spinlock. Cheek cracked after three years. Rubbish.

Don't hassle with loads: if you size it right for the line, the clutch will hold it. And besides the mounting for the clutch is in shear anyway. I doubt any builder would make a clutch that wasn't strong enough to hold the anticipated load of the line it is made for.

[deluxe68]

Originally Posted by StuM

\

All Most of these show their safe working load:

https://garhauermarine.com/catalog_process.cfm?cid=36

Thanks I missed that. My yard manager is recommending Spinlock XX at 3900 lbs. Sounds like a bit of overkill, but 1,000 lbs seems to be underrated for a 43' boat weighing around 24,000 lbs. I just ordered the riggers handbook, will see what it says.

[JPA Cate]

I don't agree that only sizing for the size of the line is safe. It might be. But if you can calculate the expected loads, then add in a little as a safety margin, then fit your line, your gear will all last longer, and you'll be able to trust it longer. In the case of our running backstays, we needed to add two blocks, in order to get the loads down enough for those rope clutches.

Ann

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by SVNeko

Yes, those plastic clutches are subject to UV damage. You can buy replacement cheeks if you need to.

Not just clutches, spent the morning replacing the furling line stanchion guides after I noticed the line was being cut by one. The originals when examined up close were breaking up with sharp edges on the rollers and one seized so ditched the lot and replaced with Harken and Spinlock, couldn't afford all Harken

[deluxe68]

Originally Posted by StuM

\

All Most of these show their safe working load:

https://garhauermarine.com/catalog_process.cfm?cid=36

I had sent an email to Garhauer, they just replied that the SWL is 1,600 lbs. I guess we could play it safe and use an average between the two specs and go with 1,300.

[belizesailor]

Damn! This thread jinxed me!

Ive had SpinLok clutches on boat for 17 years (original) with zero problems, but today had one explode!

We had a sporty sail in about 20 knots of wind and were about to head up so I was going to furl the jib in some so I could trim it flatter easier. I luffed up a bit, hauled on the furling line (fairly hard as it was blowing pretty good)...and boom...the clutch exploded!

In my case, if I haul on it from the helm seat the lead is unfair, but been doing it for years. For a fair lead I need to step on to the aft deck. Today was an unfair pull.

Related question: when the OP's failed was it in a fair pull (directly in line with clutch) or an unfair pull (at an angle)?