I'm making some changes to my running rigging. I've seen triple clutches on line and in catalogs but never a quadruple model. Is there such a thing? Thanks, Joe Mullee
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You can also gang them side by side
At least the spinlock clutches will work that way. I have two singles side by side after I replaced a double with a triple.
At least the spinlock clutches will work that way. I have two singles side by side after I replaced a double with a triple.
Use Allthread
On our boat I set the coach roof rope clutches up with six on each side of the companianway. I replaced the OEM 3-sheave turning blocks with Scheaffer 6-sheave turning blocks so it really makes it good for "all lines lead aft". Each set of rope clutches has its own winch. To keep the sheet clutches close together in order to get a fair lead to it's winch I used Garhauer sheet clutches and bolted them together with allthread (see link at http://www.allthread.com.au/products.asp). At the time the Garhauer were top rated by Pratical Sailor for being the best value for the buck. They were just a tad over one inch wide where as Lewmar (#2) was much wider. To gang the rope clutches together cut the allthread (available in any hardware store) to the length you need and use nylac nuts on each end. Use Lanocoat between all aluminum and stainless parts. It also now comes in a spray can. Drill and tap for machine screws in the coach roof. Be sure to use aluminum cutting oil when taping!!! Then use antiseze or lanocoat on the fasteners you screw in. It's a piece of cake!
On our boat I set the coach roof rope clutches up with six on each side of the companianway. I replaced the OEM 3-sheave turning blocks with Scheaffer 6-sheave turning blocks so it really makes it good for "all lines lead aft". Each set of rope clutches has its own winch. To keep the sheet clutches close together in order to get a fair lead to it's winch I used Garhauer sheet clutches and bolted them together with allthread (see link at http://www.allthread.com.au/products.asp). At the time the Garhauer were top rated by Pratical Sailor for being the best value for the buck. They were just a tad over one inch wide where as Lewmar (#2) was much wider. To gang the rope clutches together cut the allthread (available in any hardware store) to the length you need and use nylac nuts on each end. Use Lanocoat between all aluminum and stainless parts. It also now comes in a spray can. Drill and tap for machine screws in the coach roof. Be sure to use aluminum cutting oil when taping!!! Then use antiseze or lanocoat on the fasteners you screw in. It's a piece of cake!
watch loading strength
Joe, ganging together the singles, doubles, and triples is the usual way to get 4-6 line clutch setups, but maybe a more important factor is watch the advertised loading strength of the clutch. The Garhauers are only offered for the small to medium sized lines (up to 5/16 inch) and in spite of having metal bodies their loading strength is only in the middle of the range (about 1000 lbs/sq. inch). A better investment might be to buy clutches that hold medium to large lines, as their loading strength is much greater--as much as 2900 lbs/sq. inch for the Lewmar Superclutch triple. The brand names you're looking for are Spinlock, Lewmar, and Harken; for deck organizer sheaves also look at Schaefer...
Joe, ganging together the singles, doubles, and triples is the usual way to get 4-6 line clutch setups, but maybe a more important factor is watch the advertised loading strength of the clutch. The Garhauers are only offered for the small to medium sized lines (up to 5/16 inch) and in spite of having metal bodies their loading strength is only in the middle of the range (about 1000 lbs/sq. inch). A better investment might be to buy clutches that hold medium to large lines, as their loading strength is much greater--as much as 2900 lbs/sq. inch for the Lewmar Superclutch triple. The brand names you're looking for are Spinlock, Lewmar, and Harken; for deck organizer sheaves also look at Schaefer...
Up to 9/16
Rich - you said that Garhauers were for lines up to 5/16 but the smallest line I have is 3/8 (furler & spinnaker pole toping lift) and they go up from there. A check with the Garhauer web site shows that they are good up to 9/16 which seems very reasonable based on the lines I'm using. Check out this URL: http://garhauermarine.com/catalog_process.cfm?cid=36 The safe working load of 1000lbs should be good for most normal applications requiring higher holding ability such as main and jib halyards. Mine are the 11-11S type have worked extremely well for years with no problems and based on actual use and experience I'd give them an excellent recommendation.
Rich - you said that Garhauers were for lines up to 5/16 but the smallest line I have is 3/8 (furler & spinnaker pole toping lift) and they go up from there. A check with the Garhauer web site shows that they are good up to 9/16 which seems very reasonable based on the lines I'm using. Check out this URL: http://garhauermarine.com/catalog_process.cfm?cid=36 The safe working load of 1000lbs should be good for most normal applications requiring higher holding ability such as main and jib halyards. Mine are the 11-11S type have worked extremely well for years with no problems and based on actual use and experience I'd give them an excellent recommendation.
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