...is it a bad line (poor quality of slippery surface) or a clutch that needs to be rebuilt

[Nodak7]

I need some help figuring this out! I have just replaced the 1/2" Outhaul line on my 41DS. The old line was pretty well wasted. Anyway I got the line replaced with a new Nylon Double Braid line. However when the line is under stress it slips through the clutch (Spinlock XTS). The old line did not do this and the new line will not until it is being placed under strain. My question is...is it a bad line (poor quality of slippery surface) or a clutch that needs to be rebuilt? How do I tell which?

 

[Butch23065]

Is it nylon as you stated? Nylon will stretch and as it does will become a smaller diameter. I would expect, while new at least, it would slip under load.

 

[Nodak7]

Is it nylon as you stated? Nylon will stretch and as it does will become a smaller diameter. I would expect, while new at least, it would slip under load.

Well Butch you got me thinking so I went back and took a closer look at the line description. Well the description says "polyester" not "Nylon".

1/2" x 100 ft. Valsail Double Braid Yacht Braid Polyester

That may be the issue. I do not believe they are the same nor do they act the same. I guess I just thought they were the same but that may not be the case.

 

[Nodak7]

Well I looked into the polyester vs nylon rope and found that polyester is perfectly OK for use as running rigging so I don't think it is the line material unless someone else has a thought on this.

 

[splax]

Yes, as nylon line stretches it becomes smaller in diameter, as does anything else. A combination of the stretch and amount of surface grip will determine suitability for your application. The West Marine Advisor has an informative rundown here - http://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvisor/Selecting-Line-for-Running-Rigging . I might choose the Samson Control DPX for your application. The old line might have become swollen and ragged, allowing it to be held by the clutch. or the clutch might have become worn and needs service. Spinlock offers a service kit with a new cam and base, which will probably solve your issue. I hope you find a solution.

 

[JRacer]

Look at the teeth on the clutch and see if you can see wear. My guess is new line OK, old teeth not so much.

 

[Joe]

Well I looked into the polyester vs nylon rope and found that polyester is perfectly OK for use as running rigging so I don't think it is the line material unless someone else has a thought on this.

Nylon line is not appropriate for running rigging. It's too stretchy. It is the choice for dock and anchor lines... exactly for the reason that it is stretchy.
Polyester... aka.. Dacron... is commonly used in running rigging... but there are many, many variables within the polyester rope genre.
Checking the clutch with a couple different lines... your jib sheets and mainsheets or a halyard or two, will tell you if the clutch is the problem. Change to a different brand or style of rope if it's not the clutch.

 

[Nodak7]

Nylon line is not appropriate for running rigging. It's too stretchy. It is the choice for dock and anchor lines... exactly for the reason that it is stretchy.
Polyester... aka.. Dacron... is commonly used in running rigging... but there are many, many variables within the polyester rope genre.
Checking the clutch with a couple different lines... your jib sheets and mainsheets or a halyard or two, will tell you if the clutch is the problem. Change to a different brand or style of rope if it's not the clutch.

Thanks Joe. My plan right now is to change the line to another clutch and see if that works. If it does then it is the line. If it does not then it is the clutch. I have checked the clutch and the teeth look good with no wear. Right now my guess is it is the line.