Real Newbie.... Clutch installed backwards ?

Don S/V ILLusion · Jun 2, 2013

I t isn't backward but it should not provide any resistance to the winch. It should free the line when open and lock the line from going forward when closed. If it doesn't operate as described, time to replace the internal spring.

kloudie1 · Jun 2, 2013

They look to be correct.. as Don says, with the handle down, the line should be "pullable" (not free, but some drag from the lack) in the aft direction (some clutches do not allow movement in either direction with handle down) and not allow any forward movement of the halyard.. Pick up the handle to release the tensioned halyard.. Line should be free in both directions with the handle up.
So open the handle, pull one halyard through and tension with the winch.. then put the handle down then release the winch tension.. ?? Should be OK unless there is a mechanical problem.

Claude L.-Auger · Jun 2, 2013

Don & Kloudie have given it to you correctly. These are old style Easylock clutches and if the halyards are slipping, chances are the delrin bushings (see picture) are worn out. If that is the case, unless you have access to a machine shop you need to replace the unit.

Steve Dion · Jun 2, 2013

I would agree with all of the above other than repairing these units.

Check out Garhauer Marine clutches. They are high quality and have a 10 year warranty.

Normally you can use one of the mounting holes from the original clutch and then just drill/tap the second hole. Not a big deal.

PS: It appears that the clutch is eating your line with the red tracer too!

Jackdaw · Jun 2, 2013

Hmm.

I thought those easylock devices were not true clutches but JAMMERS.

If that's the case it needs to be open to pull free in either direction.. Can anyone confirm?

Jackdaw · Jun 2, 2013

Delawaredave said:
So if "Jammers" - they shouldn't move in either direction I guess.

Correct.. I assume he didn't mention resistance pulling forward because he expected that.

Don12364 · Jun 2, 2013

What nobody has told the enquirer is that after one line has been set up and locked off the winch is then available for use with the other halyard.
Obvious to us who know but not so to someone learning the craft.

Claude L.-Auger · Jun 2, 2013

I just looked at the picture again and there is possibly another issue when I compare with my Easylock (same as pix and mine work perfectly): his clutches seemed to be positioned backwards. The halyards should enter the clutch from the other side and exit towards the winch. thus when locking Dave needs to push the handle down and forward not toward himself. That is why he is getting resistance when pulling aft. simple cure is to take the clutch out, rebed with caulking, turn the clutch around and re-install in the same holes. Good luck.

DelawareGabe · Jun 2, 2013

Claude L.-Auger said:
his clutches seemed to be positioned backwards. The halyards should enter the clutch from the other side and exit towards the winch... simple cure is to take the clutch out, rebed with caulking, turn the clutch around and re-install in the same holes. Good luck.

Thanks Claude!! the handles have labels for Jib and Main, but that made the lines have to cross before entering the clutch, and that didn't make sense either.

Not sure how the previous owner ever got the sails to stay up!!

4jh1zz · Jun 3, 2013

I have a Hunter 25.5 with what looks like the same clutches. They are in the opposite direction of yours. I vote backwards. Maybe someone took them off to service them and got them turned around.

kloudie1 · Jun 3, 2013

Dave, sorry for the bad info.. My Easylocks are installed the other way around..(as are Claude Auger's) Mine have the trigger on the cam handle .. maybe next size up.. but indeed, yours are backwards.. Someone probably recently re-installed them that way after removing them..

Real Newbie.... Clutch installed backwards ?

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