Halyard Rope Clutch Problem

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daibachsail

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We have mostly Spinlock XAS clutches which were working OK last year after complete rebuilds. However as the season went on the main and genoa halyards became harder to operate (ie 2 hands to open the clutch) and could not be winched tighter when the clutch was closed. Both clutches work fine when used with another newer rope. So do halyards abraid (wear) to a state where they will not operate? If so does one have to replace or is there some other action which works? Both halyards are 12mm which is within the XAS range. Your assistance would be appreciated. Thanks in anticipation.
 
In my racing youth I used to sail in a J39.
They had double clutches on the main and genoa halyards... the gorrilas wound up the halyards with all their strenght.
 
Tomahawk
We tighten the halyards within the limits of a Lewmar 16 obstructed by the sprayhood, so quite tight when club racing but not very tight! These failures are experienced even when not tight.
Sailorman
Not sure what you mean about 'block to block'
Hope that helps the diagnosis
 
Before releasing the clutch it is necessary to further tension the line slightly. Releasing while the clutch is taking the tension will tend to damage the rope and stress the clutch.
 
daibachsail said:
Tomahawk
We tighten the halyards within the limits of a Lewmar 16 obstructed by the sprayhood, so quite tight when club racing but not very tight! These failures are experienced even when not tight.
Sailorman
Not sure what you mean about 'block to block'
Hope that helps the diagnosis
Click to expand...


Shackle / knot/slice pulled tight up to the top sheave & tension on the winch prior to using the clutch would help. i have XAS on lighter loaded lines but bigger ( cant remember the No`s) on the genoa & spi halliards, these have a different action & longer handles
 
First open up the clutches (you may need to dismantle) and clean the serrated parts of any fluff which has built up inside - this is the shiny detritus scraped off old ropes. Then lub the clutches with something like the Lewmar maintenance spray.

Next, see if you can get the clutches to grip a fresh bit of line - core deformation or glazing of the outer sheath can cause lines to slip. If this cures the problem simply switch your halyards end-on-end. Once you've done this take jalinson's advice to pre-load before releasing high tension lines.

Finally re halyard tension - appropriate tension is dependent on the point of sailing, wind angle, sail design and wave conditions. Heroic tension has a place, but is rarely required on smaller boats; it's de rigueur though amongst the macho crews which populate the back of the fleet. It is also a fantastic way to trash a sail.
 
Thanks for comments so far. Just to make the situation clearer there is no slippage and the clutches seem to be very clean and work beautifully on new rope. The halyards are somewhat roughed up and this may account for the stickiness which makes opening then - even under the lightest load- very difficult! Over the past 20+ years of sailing with clutches I have never seen it that bad. Maybe last years' washing machine experience (a first for them) was too much for them!
How long would you expect them to last with light usage? They look original so would probably be 11 years. Never had to change them on previous boats so no experience of longevity.
 
I've got Lewmar clutches on both main and Genoa halliards and never have a problem releasing them, I never have to take the tension off with the winch. Not racing though and with newish braid on braid but even with the old knackered halliard it was still easy. I think Lewmar clutches are kinder to the rope as the rope is not clamped between two serrated cams
 
daibachsail said:
Absolutely the same. It is like this with no strain on the halyard at all.
Click to expand...
More questions I'm afraid...

Is the new rope the same diameter? Is is possible that the larger diameter is causing the cam mechanism to jam internally?

Have the clutches been release under load? Which could have caused damage and the cam mechanism and is therefore binding with the larger rope.

Have you rinsed them with hot fresh water? Or tried a squirt or two of sailkote Mclube? Did it make any difference?
 
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