Halyard clutches

[Roy M]

I'm preparing to overhaul the mast and I'm looking at the variety of clutches available to free up my selftailing winches. I will be using 10-12 mm superstrong halyards. My genoa is about 650 sq. ft. and the main is about 350 sq.ft. Any experience with yours?

[accomplice]

Originally Posted by Roy M

I'm preparing to overhaul the mast and I'm looking at the variety of clutches available to free up my selftailing winches. I will be using 10-12 mm superstrong halyards. My genoa is about 650 sq. ft. and the main is about 350 sq.ft. Any experience with yours?

We have halyard tracks/cars that work great Harken. They have the added advantage that there is no excess halyard to coil/stow on the mast.

[Stumble]

What type of line? Raw dyneema needs finger trap constrictors, otherwise I have always been partial to spinlocks.

[cattar]

Have used spinlocks on halyards. After a few seasons racing, main and spi halyards slipped a bit under load. Line compresses some when locked in the same spot. Quick release stopper knot at clutch was effective. Would put clutches on another boat.

Open clutch completely before haul up sail. Close clutch completely before remove line from winch. Later, wrap line on winch before releasing clutch.

[Stevens 47]

I went the Lewmar route based on a Practical Sailor review. They had a lit more slippage than the Spinlocks but where rated better on line wear and tear. I have had them on the boat since re-commissioning and have not noticed slippage, they also release well under load.

[cattar]

Taking up the load on a winch before releasing the clutch allows controlled spi takedown without schock-loading the crew.
Wrapping the line around the winch before releasing the clutch helps the line run out cleanly to the clutch.
Might not matter with smaller sails.