I have run into what is perhaps an age old problem and would like suggestions. I have worn out my rope clutch and purchased a new one to replace it. The old one it seems does not want to leave. I began to remove the screws holding the clutch to my cabin top and all of them turn freely and will no longer unthread to allow removal. I am looking for a solution other than removing cabin headliner et al.. Is that possible? I own a 1989 Cal 33-2.
Easy Rope Clutch Removal
- Thread starter CHARLIE STAGE
- Start date
It sounds like stripped threads. Can you gain anything by prying up on the heads while trying to unscrew them? Otherwise Dremel Tool to cut the heads off the fasteners, remove the clutch and re-asses. You may need to access the inside and that has been done in several different ways. One way is to cut a hole in the liner and install a cover after.
Ken
Ken
I am not sure about the construction of a Cal 33-2 but are you sure they are threaded into metals plates imbedded in the fiberglass? They could simply have backing plates with washers and nuts. In which case you need to access the nuts to hold them with a wrench or socket. Some production boats have these parts hidden beneath/above liners. You might need to cut a hole in the liner to gain access.
Have a Cal 28-2 and repaired one of our Spinlock's a couple of seasons ago. On our boat, I did have to get access to the screws from below to remove them.
The entire headliner didn't have to be come down though, or at all for that matter. There is a separate access panel aft of where the headliner stops that allows access to the clutches and winch bases. It's about 10" X 10" and is on both port and starboard sides. I've never checked the 33's I've been on but Cal used the same hardware on the 28 and 33, so maybe you also have a similar access panel?
Have spent a lot of time sailing around your waters (Cape Vincent, Clayton, Carlton Is.). Beautiful sailing grounds, I bet the 33-2 is just about the perfect size for The River.
The entire headliner didn't have to be come down though, or at all for that matter. There is a separate access panel aft of where the headliner stops that allows access to the clutches and winch bases. It's about 10" X 10" and is on both port and starboard sides. I've never checked the 33's I've been on but Cal used the same hardware on the 28 and 33, so maybe you also have a similar access panel?
Have spent a lot of time sailing around your waters (Cape Vincent, Clayton, Carlton Is.). Beautiful sailing grounds, I bet the 33-2 is just about the perfect size for The River.
Thanks everyone! It is in fact a case of removing or cutting out a section of the headliner. I have access ports to all my winches; this clutch is on my non winch side, so no port. The teak trim around the headliner is too nice to tamper with so "cut I must". I expect a nice teak pad covering the hole will be an acceptable addition. Berner 73, this is a "Grand Sailing" area indeed and just an 18 mile jaunt to Lake Ontario from where I live. I believe though, that anywhere we sail is indeed a gift. Sail on!