Suggestions on the best new rope clutch to buy for my Hunter 340

Jun 14, 2007
20
Hunter -340 Milwaukee, Wi.
I need to get 2 new triple clutches and I'm not sure what to buy. I have a Spinlock xa now and am not totally sold on it. What do you suggest I buy?
 
Jan 4, 2010
1,037
Farr 30 San Francisco
What is your beef with Spinlock? Other brand might have to drill. Karver makes some really cool clutches.
 
Jun 14, 2007
20
Hunter -340 Milwaukee, Wi.
My only beef is that the handles seem weak. They are plastic and I have snapped them several times under load. The housing has cracked also. Maybe some of this is due to UV wear. Maybe the new Spinlock clutches are a bit better made. I would get them again if it is best recommended.
 
Oct 26, 2008
6,432
Catalina 320 Barnegat, NJ
I've had 4 doubles - Spinlock XAS for 10 years and have had just one small part fail on just 1 of the 8 clutches. It is a small locking mechanism that activates when the clutch is fully closed (I don't know what the part is called). It appears that it is replaceable, but I've had no releases, despite the missing part.
They've been exposed to UV the entire 10 years. Other than fading, there has been no loss of function. I've experienced no slippage or excessive wear on lines from 3/8" to 7/16".
I'll be happy to replace them in kind. The XAS is priced right for our boat. On a larger boat, I'd consider an upgrade in working load - like the XTS. I like that they have greater working load & are more stylish than garhauer. And the price is right in SBO store. If I were you, I think I'd select the XTS, particularly with the experience you've had.