Rope jammers clutches

[mrming]

I bit the bullet and added two more spinlock clutches to my boat, making it four each side. The cost was horrendous but the limited space on my coachroof meant cam cleats were out of the question and I wouldn't trust clamcleats not to slip. The three original spinlock XAs from 1989 are still working great, so if you can stomach the initial cost, they are definitely a good quality product. If I had space I definitely would have considered Harken SP150 cam cleats.

 

[peterhull]

Rope clutches etc

For what it's worth.
Clam cleats work well for me; I haven't had them wear out, even the plastic ones, though I guess the metal ones would be more durable. They do need to be the right size for the rope. They slip if the wrong size, or if the rope is starting to get worn. They work best with soft flexible rope. I suspect they shouldn't be used with heavy loads, as (even if they hold) it would be difficult to get the rope out (in contrast to a conventional cleat where the rope can always be released). But on a smaller boat they are fine. You can have several ahead of the winch, such that the rope can be placed in the cleat, winched in, and the rope can then be taken off the winch and the winch used with another rope (as with Spinlock clutches also). If you do this, position the clamcleats very carefully (as also with Spinlock). When releasing the rope, put it on the winch and take up the tension first. Make sure it can't fall into the clamcleat if you don't want it to ( make sure it's not one with an integral fairlead). On the other hand, if you use a Clamcleat with an integral fairlead for the topping lift, a knot in the right place can stop the boom falling on your head (!).
Cam cleats also OK used in the same way. Again, wouldn't be good with heavy load. Some ingenuity required in placement if used with several lines to the same winch. I have found that the (some) cams do wear eventually, and I think they are not so kind to the rope.
I have found that the small Spinlocks do tend to slip. Maybe the size of rope is critical, also a "hard" rope is perhaps more likely to slip. The larger Spinlocks are better, of course, but are suited to a larger diameter rope and come with a larger price tag.

Thanks Blackbeard, it strikes me there are quite few combinations that could be used here. I must say I do like clutches I have used them in the past and there is a certain amount of security with them I feel.

What I might do is replace the clam cleats with a triple clutches on the S/B side used with the winch for halliards and self tacking jib sheet.

I will keep the clam cleats the port side then fit another winch there and maybe review what I do with cleats/clutches next winter - when I have got over the shock of the expense!!-

Peter

 

[peterhull]

I bit the bullet and added two more spinlock clutches to my boat, making it four each side. The cost was horrendous but the limited space on my coachroof meant cam cleats were out of the question and I wouldn't trust clamcleats not to slip. The three original spinlock XAs from 1989 are still working great, so if you can stomach the initial cost, they are definitely a good quality product. If I had space I definitely would have considered Harken SP150 cam cleats.

Thanks mrming for you reply

yes I think cam cleats may take up too much space and I don't like the clam cleats so I may have bite the bullet and go for clutches on one side this winter then review what I do on the other side next winter.

Peter