Endless/Continuous clutchs

Yellow Ballad

Yellow Ballad

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I'm looking for a clutch to suit a continuous furler line and looking for some feedback from those that have got one.

So far I think the Spinlock XTS0814-1M looks like the one to go for but I can't find any instructions for the endless version. What I want to know is about the bullseyes, some say they need building up on the line before splicing and some say they are split. Also can you fit the side mounting kit to it?

I have emailed spinlock who suggested the XTS however they haven't got back to me regarding bullseyes yet and I was going to stick an order in tonight to hopefully get it before the weekend and a dry fit.

Obviously I'm open to other sugestions.
 
Not sure why you need XTS as the smaller XAS which will go up to 12mm should be OK.

However you might like to consider using a Selden double jamming block and fairleads attached to the stanchions. This is what I have just fitted for a continuous loop furling cruising chute. The block is attached to the pushpit so the line is adjacent to the helm and they run along the line of the stanchions. Works very well and to my mind better than the clutch arrangement on the coachroof for continuous line furling main.

PS not easy to find in the catalogue, but click on Code O and Gennaker Furling and you get the brochure. The Furling line hardware is on Page 6.
 
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I have seen the selden double fiddle jobbie and initially liked it but it looks like it could get a (possible) handful or a two handed job trying to stop it flop about whilst trying to lock one off and then the other but I've not found anyone thats used one in anger.

I did notice the XAS showed a M version but I believe it has a plastic handle, having had a handle break on a clutch before I would prefer an alloy handle on something that'll be used a lot.
 
Yellow Ballad said:
I have seen the selden double fiddle jobbie and initially liked it but it looks like it could get a (possible) handful or a two handed job trying to stop it flop about whilst trying to lock one off and then the other but I've not found anyone thats used one in anger.

I did notice the XAS showed a M version but I believe it has a plastic handle, having had a handle break on a clutch before I would prefer an alloy handle on something that'll be used a lot.
Click to expand...

I have used mine "in anger" - furling my 65 sqm chute in 15 knots of wind while sitting comfortably on the helm seat. It works brilliantly - which is why I suggested you look at it. It is attached with a snap shackle to the loop on the pushpit that takes the lower guard rail wire and does not flop around. I have a similar but single block Harken one for the Furlex line and that is also excellent.

Everything I fit is aimed at making life easy for a single handing old git well into his 80th decade and it was trying this block and fairleads that finally persuaded me to buy the chute.
 
Yellow Ballad said:
Just what I want to hear, thank you. Does it some apart to fit to an already spliced line or does it need feeding through then splicing?
Click to expand...

Comes apart so rope is already spliced - I think Selden actually sell ready spliced ropes, although mine was made up by the sailmaker. Initially they assembled it incorrectly so it was upside down but did not take long to dismantle and reassemble correctly. Make sure there is a long enough loop aft of the blocks. Mine is about 1.5m long so I can pull from the helm.
 
I have Sailspar continuous line headsail reefing. I also have a pathological distaste for making holes in my boat and have no stanchions, lifelines or pushpit. I use a single Spinlock PXR cleat, mounted on a Barton slider that goes on the Genoa track. I’ve only been using it a couple of months but so far very pleased. It is very small and discreet. I know it is not as secure as a proper clutch but there are ways I can mitigate that.
 
I've got an unused Selden double-cam block for this exact purpose going for a reasonable sum if you are interested. Feel free to PM me.

I've never used it, i just tie-off the furling line on the stern cleat which works well for me.
 
Thanks for the comments, I went for the Spinlock clutch as I think it's what would work for my best but I'm not really happy with the "Split Bullseyes" although there's not much I can do now as the line has already been spliced.

They are just normal solid bullseyes that have been crudely cut with what looks like a hacksaw leaving quite sharp burrs. I'll have to prise them open to put around the rope and pinch them back together again! I was expecting some sort of good quality, interlocking rolled edge in all honestly from a company like Spinlock.

I've done a bit of a review on my blog if anyone wants a read but here's a couple of the pics.

http://2wheels1keel.com/spinlock-xts0814-2m-endless-line-clutch-review/

Split-Bullseye.jpg


Split-Bullseye-1.jpg
 
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