I have a 2003 Hunter 356 and my 3 line clutch on Starboard needs replacing. I can unscrew the outer two screws but the middle screw is locked in solid. If I try to force it anymore than I have, I will strip the screw. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to go about this?
Replacing clutch on 356
- Thread starter sailpablo
- Start date
the screws go into an aluminum plate set in the deck and the screw has probably welded itself to the plate. try soaking with PB blaster or a similar penetrating oil then try to break it free with an impact driver. Make sure the bit you use fully fits the screw head. the SS screws are soft so don't rush it. you can try heating the screw with a pinpoint torch and then spraying the oil to try to break the corrosion. If the screw breaks, you might have to redrill the plate and install a helicoil to take the same size bolt.
I don’t disagree with any of the above but please tell us what lines go through that clutch. As I remember it is the main and jib halyards. They both may be for furlers which mean they aren’t used very much. Is there a workaround? Maybe a cleat?
Another thought - they used to make rebuild kits for those clutches - the frame may be fine.
For standard rig:
mainsheet
#1 reef
main halyard
For in-mast:
outhaul
main sheet
main halyard
For standard rig:
mainsheet
#1 reef
main halyard
For in-mast:
outhaul
main sheet
main halyard
Last edited:
What's broken on the clutch? I had a handle break off on mine last year and I was able to purchase an exact replacement.
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