Coppins SeaClaw failed

[Pacey16]

Recently while crossing the Atlantic with strong winds behind us we started to surf up to 20kts boat speed in a 49ft catamaran, although this did not feel dangerous I wanted to slow the boat down through the night for the inexperienced crew i had onboard.
I deployed my Coppins SeaClaw for the first time and after a couple of minutes getting the distance correct the Claw was seen to come to the surface and bounce along the surface with no effect on the boat at all.
We hauled the SeaClaw in and towed 300ft of 1/2" line with 30ft of anchor chain slid on the warp and it worked amazingly well not slowing us much untill we surfed then it held us back to a reasonable speed.
On inspection of the SeaClaw it had ripped at a couple of seams and the bouyancy was gone, it looks like the glue had failed putting stress on the damaged seams.
I contacted Coppins and described the event and they gave me the "this has never happened before" response.
I am keen to hear from anyone who has had experience good or bad with this piece of safety equipment

[UNCIVILIZED]

Might there be reference to them in the Drogue Device Database?

[Paul L]

Are the seams not stitched?

[Pacey16]

Yes the seems are stitched, but the compartment which I think held the flotation looks to have been glued along its width and stitched at each end, looks to me like the glue maybe failed putting too much stress on the seams at each end?

[GordMay]

"If you buy a Coppins Para Sea Anchor today - it will feature the most advanced sea anchor technology available anywhere in the world. That’s a promise we stand behind."



Perhaps, not so much?

[Suijin]

I'm a bit leary of the self diving design and am not sure of what ensures it won't flip and ride upside down and just skate across the surface. I have a Galerider which you rig with a length of chain and it has always performed well.

As for the claw seams separating, can't comment except to say that most drogues really take a beating in some conditions. I assume yours did not have sun or mildew damage...