rope clutch size

[njlarry]

About to order our first rope clutch so have no experience with them. It will be for our genny roller furling line which is 5/16. So here is my question, the lewmars come in 5/16 and smaller or 5/16 and over. Should I order the smaller or the larger as they both fit 5/16?

 

[dlochner]

You might want to rethink using a clutch for a roller furling line. A plain old horn cleat works well as does a cam cleat on a ratchet block. I can't think of any reason that would make the clutch a better choice.

 

[Ron20324]

Get the smaller. The line will stretch and get thinner, plus some wear on the outside will "shrink" it. 5/16 line on a 34???

 

[SG]

We have Lewmar rope clutches for a number of lines, including the roller furling.

If you never partially furl the sail, it's not that critical, then the loading is not that big a deal.

You could use a cleat, but make sure it has a proper backing plate.

 

[All U Get]

Walk along the dock and take pictures of other boats, someone might have what you're looking for. (Oops, try the ones with sails first. )

All U Get

 

[Ward H]

Hi Larry,
You will probably never go to a smaller line but you might want to go to a larger line for better grip. The 5/16 or larger will give you the option to do so.

 

[DougM]

Not that it really matters, but I'm thinking the rope clutches are probably Spinlock brand.
That said, The cam cleat/block method has worked well for me. My furling line is routed along the toe rail and the cam cleat/block is secured at the toe rail at an easy reach from the cockpit. Nobody has tripped over it yet.

 

[Gunni]

I use a larger rope clutch for my furler line because I sometimes use the same clutch for other ropes up to about 10mm. Works fine.

 

[Joe]

Not that it really matters, but I'm thinking the rope clutches are probably Spinlock brand.
That said, The cam cleat/block method has worked well for me. My furling line is routed along the toe rail and the cam cleat/block is secured at the toe rail at an easy reach from the cockpit. Nobody has tripped over it yet.

I'm sure he said "Lewmar" in the original post... if it makes any difference.

 

[agprice22]

I just use a bullseye fairlead into a cam cleat with a built-in fairlead. Works great. I don't know why NOT to use a clutch. It seems an expensive option. I would guess with stretch you might use the smaller clutch. Clutches are not forgiving when you get a pigstail. They jam right up!

 

[SG]

The lead from the clutch, it's securing to the boat, etc. are very important.

Before we discuss the applicability fora particular boat, you need to look not only at the where and how, but also the use of the furler.