Rope Clutches (att: Rick Webb)

[Alan Long]

I've been following the discussion about replacing the clam cleats on 23.5/240 with rope clutches. Rick Webbs'installation looks great, but there is something I'm not clear on. My clam cleats have three jaws, one for each of the halyards and one for the centerboard line. Ricks installation seems to use a double clutch. How do you deal with the centerboard line, or am I missing something? (probably)ThanksAlan LongS/V Random Access(1994 23.5)

 

[Dale Wile]

Go for a triple...

I installed a triple clutch, the Lewmar Superlock Small Rope Clutch (#29101312). This gives me control over the two halyards, as well as the keel lift line. Also, I kept in place the pad eye for the fixed end of the keel line. I could not be happier with the installation and with the convenience afforded by rope clutches.Dale Wiles/v GrandechildSandpoint, Idaho

 

[Dave Royce]

Triple is the best

I agree with Dale I installed the triple and it is great. Do not do the double, the extra money is worth it.

 

[Rick Webb]

Not Sure

Which ones are you looking at? I installed the Spinlock PX cleats for my jib sheets. They by the way work great one of my favorite projects on the boat.As for the halyards the boat came with the double clutch one for the main and one for the jib. The centerboard has a clam cleat which I hate. I bought the triple spinlock but have not gotten around to putting it on yet. What I did do and it did help somewhat is to put a piece of teak under the cleat and the padeye for the centerboard uphaul. That made a big difference and was a cheap fix albeit a less than perfect one. Hope that answers your question. My kids godparents are on their way soon to Langley down in Hampton from Germany we will be coming to visit them and I can tell you all about how I did it over a beer or two. Hell, I'll even help you do it if you take me for a sail.

 

[Alan Long]

Thanks

Just as I suspected, I WAS missing something. Never even occurred to me that the double clutch was for the jib sheets in Ricks installation. I absolutely despise the triple clam cleat on mine for the halyards and centerboard line. Thanks too for the suggestions on the Lewmar clutches.The beer is getting cold as I type Rick. I live near Charlottesville,in the mountains and my boat is kept at a slip on the Potomac River. The boat is on the trailer at home right now. Bet we'll come up with some outstanding ideas after a couple of the locally brewed grogs.