Slipping Rope Clutch

[nick8489]

I've got Spinlock XAS triple rope clutches (which are standard) on my 2004 H33.
The one on the main halyard is now slipping badly (its not the halyard worn as I have reversed it). Anyone fixed this without having to buy a complete triple set? I had thought of buying a new single, pulling the working bits out and see if I could put them into the triple but before I try it thought someone else might have a solution.

 

[Kordie]

You can buy a service kit to fix it with. Any chandlery shop will help you get one.

 

[nick8489]

You can buy a service kit to fix it with. Any chandlery shop will help you get one.

Thanks Kordie - The local chandlery had no knowledge of service kits. Have just been on line to West Marine and ordered one for the USA.

 

[Steve Dion]

Thanks Kordie - The local chandlery had no knowledge of service kits. Have just been on line to West Marine and ordered one for the USA.

Have you checked with the SBO.com chandlery? Give them a try!

 

[Don12364]

In the interests of lightness (and cheapness) the gripper parts of most clutches are made from aluminium rather than stainless steel.

Don't know the procedure for raising and lowering sails on your boat but the knack to long life of the grippers in rope clutches is to re-tension the halyard on the winch before releasing the clutch and then surging the rope on the winch. This way there is no sudden slippage of the rope and thus no wear on the working parts.
It also helps to open the clutch before raising the sail to reduce wear on both rope and clutch.

 

[Dave Groshong]

Spinlock has an excellent video showing how to take one apart and replace the spring and cam, here's a link to their site:

http://www.spinlock.co.uk/en/clutches/xas-range/triple-xas-rope-clutch-for-lines-6-12mm

I'll find out about the maintenance kit when I get to the office in a few hours.

 

[Steve Dion]

I'll find out about the maintenance kit when I get to the office in a few hours.

I told you so. Bly, Dave and Phil rock.

 

[Dave Groshong]

I don't think the spring arm replacement comes with the service kit, oddly enough. Let me know if you'd like to order.

 

[nick8489]

In the interests of lightness (and cheapness) the gripper parts of most clutches are made from aluminium rather than stainless steel.

Don't know the procedure for raising and lowering sails on your boat but the knack to long life of the grippers in rope clutches is to re-tension the halyard on the winch before releasing the clutch and then surging the rope on the winch. This way there is no sudden slippage of the rope and thus no wear on the working parts.
It also helps to open the clutch before raising the sail to reduce wear on both rope and clutch.

Interesting comment Donalex. In fact I have been doing the opposite and releasing the clutch on maximumum load. This has the result of the main coming down like a rocket, the sudden release of energy accelerating the process. In fact other sailors have often commented on how I get the main down all the way so quickly. Obviously the penalty is worn out grippers! As they have lasted 7 years the fast drop advantages I think outweigh early replacement costs. Thanks for your comment.

 

[nick8489]

I don't think the spring arm replacement comes with the service kit, oddly enough. Let me know if you'd like to order.

Regret I couldn't find the service kit on the SBO chandlery site so have ordered from West as its listed in their catalogue. The usual problem with sourcing from the USA was that the part ($42.99) cost less than the shipping
($63.30). I don't know why this happens from the USA as if you buy stuff over the internet from the UK the shipping cost is far less. eg. I bought four bicycle tyres this week from the UK for $74.00 (which incidently was about one third the Australian retail price) and the freight by international air mail was included in the price. They promised 4/5 days shipping time. I assume that there is some sort of cosolidated service from UK to OZ. US companies always seem to use courier sevices. Perhaps US Postal doesn't have an international consolidated small package service??

 

[nick8489]

Spinlock has an excellent video showing how to take one apart and replace the spring and cam, here's a link to their site:

http://www.spinlock.co.uk/en/clutches/xas-range/triple-xas-rope-clutch-for-lines-6-12mm

Excellent Dave - many thanks

 

[Dave Groshong]

Regret I couldn't find the service kit on the SBO chandlery site so have ordered from West as its listed in their catalogue. The usual problem with sourcing from the USA was that the part ($42.99) cost less than the shipping
($63.30). I don't know why this happens from the USA as if you buy stuff over the internet from the UK the shipping cost is far less. eg. I bought four bicycle tyres this week from the UK for $74.00 (which incidently was about one third the Australian retail price) and the freight by international air mail was included in the price. They promised 4/5 days shipping time. I assume that there is some sort of cosolidated service from UK to OZ. US companies always seem to use courier sevices. Perhaps US Postal doesn't have an international consolidated small package service??[/QUOTe

Ouch! $63 shipping, wow. We ship USPS to Australia and the UK, no problem, about $18 for that part, but it would have been 10-14 days to get one and ship, they seem to be in short supply.

 

[Steve Dion]

Maybe it is time to think about ridding yourself of these clutches and look at Garhauer. They are well made and warrantied for 10 Yrs.

If you need parts they have them but the clutches are priced so new clutches are not a lot more than an new set.