Mainsheet is lead through Spinlock clutch...Opinions?

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Scup

Scup

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May 18, 2004
126
S2 27 Southern Lake Michigan
Mainsheet is lead through Spinlock clutch...Opinions? So, on my new (to me) S2 27, the traveller is on the cabin top. The mainsheet is lead through a turning check block, then through a Spinlock rope clutch--a triple. As an old dinghy sailor, I'm not likin' this arrangement very much, although it appears to be standard OEM on the cruising version of this model boat. What's the verdict from the brain trust on this. Good, bad, simply ugly, or a broach waiting to happen? What's a good alternative, a hexaratchet with a cam cleat mounted on the traveller? Other?
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

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Feb 26, 2004
23,023
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Sure, why not

just leave it open when sailing. The clutch provides a good solid fairlead to the winch.
 
R

Rick Sylvester

I wouldn't

but it's your call of course. I've had clutches fail to release due to a variety of reasons (failure of an internal spring, salt and dirt build up.) Leaving the clutch open while underway is a good idea but what if a well meaning crew accidently closes it? This has bad situation written all over it in big conditions. I think your initial inclination is a good one. Go to an idiot-proof arrangement like a cam cleat, jam cleat or winch self-tailer, what-ever. Just my two cents.
 
RichH

RichH

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Feb 14, 2005
4,773
Tayana 37 cutter; I20/M20 SCOWS Worton Creek, MD
Trigger cleat is probably the ultimate best choice.....

Its a cam cleat that when the tail is pulled down the cams instantly open releasing the sheet. http://www.harkenstore.com/uniface.urd/sccyspw1.eShowPage?409Z56LC7FV66&409Z56LC5IXJA Sometimes clutches need to be 'unloaded' with a winch when overloaded .... and the unloading takes too long. A mainsheet should be able to be released ..... instantly. Even a cam cleat is vastly superior to a clutch. What you really need for safety is something that doesnt require any thought or contemplation to release.
 
Jadedcrew

Jadedcrew

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Nov 12, 2006
256
Catalina 36 Bainbridge Island
That is how mine is rigged.

But I have a 36 foot boat. When we are sailing the rope clutch is open, and the sheet is on the ST halyard winch which enables anyone to sheet it in, or ease it out. The rope clutch is only locked when raising, or lowering the main, or when the main is furled. You may be able to use a different setup that doesn't require the use of a winch.
 
J

Jim LeBlanc

Main halyard yes, main sheet no

I agree with all of the posts regarding the undesirability of this set up (especially for a 27 ft boat). The main halyard can have a clutch, but not the main sheet. This must have been added by a previous owner, as S2 would never have built it that way. You only need a 4 or 6 to one block and tackle system on the main sheet and a quick release mechanism. By the way, the S2 27 is a very fast boat for its size and does very well in club races.
 
T

T37 Phil

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Jan 26, 2007
308
Norsea 27 Cleveland
Never had a problem

Our old C27 had the main halyard and mainsheet run through a double Spinlock clutch on the cabin top. I believe that was OEM for this boat. The control lines on the traveller were through cam cleats. Spilling wind quickly would more easily be accomplished by popping the traveller line than dealing with the mainsheet. The risk of a clutch sticking (if not left open) is less worrisome than the force needed to release the line from a cam. Under large force, such as conditions that might require a quick release, the tranverse pressure on the cam makes it difficult to lift up (whether on the control line or the mainsheet, no difference). My wife and son occasionally had troubles releasing lines when conditions were brisk, though not yet dangerous. Anyway, it's something I might now rethink on our T37. Regarding a broach, if you're on a run and risking a broach, how much is to be gained from spilling the main? Perhaps the orginal post was thinking of a knockdown?
 
P

Pat Coulter

lead astray

All of the O'Day 272's were set up this way, so it's pretty likely S2 did the same. The problem is you must leave the helm to make a quick adjustment. I just moved mine and set up a good mainsheet system attached to the traveler....should have done it ten years sooner.... I made the sheet long enough that I never have to leave the helm to adjust it. Pat
 
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