[us7070]

i am pretty sure i want a 5/16" jib halyard on my boat.

the spinlock xts clutches come in two sizes - one for 1/4 to 5/16 line (swl=1540lbs), and one for 5/16 to 9/16 line (swl=2200lbs).

all things being equal, i'd like the stronger one. but, i'd be using it at the lower limit of its line size. does the clutch for 5/16 to 9/16 really work well enough with 5/16 line?

isn't there some sort of sleeve you can put over the line to make it work better in the clutch? if i am using 5/16 should i add one of these sleeves?

[waybarger]

the xts0608 will give you better holding power on the 5/16 line

[ContactMyPeople]

Ditto. Go with the smaller 0608. Especially if you are using a newer "hi-tech". All of us guys have the same problem thinking something is bigger than what it really is. 5/16" is a lot smaller than you think. It will def. slip in the 0814.

If you are still stuck on thinking you need the larger you can increase the diameter of the line where it is clutched. Two ways to do it. The cleanest way is to pull the core out in the place you want bulk, insert another line in core and milk back in. Be sure to choose a firm line like a 12 strand spectra or Marlow's SuperPrestretch. On a std 5/16 hi-tech you might get away with squeezing a 3/16" in there but remember this will only increase the lines effective diameter by half that (1/8"). That might not even be enough for those Spinlocks. The other way to do it is to simply add a sacrificial cover 1/8" larger than the line's diameter. In this case use a 3/8". This too will only add ~ 1/8". Whip both ends well. Don't waste your time going crazy with whips though. They're not really needed. If you really need to increase diameter you can try both. However, the big jump in size could cause catching at mast exits and on the front side of the clutch when you're trying to pull it in.

Spinlock's internal cam type clutch love to eat up slipping lines. It won't take too long to wear through if you're getting any slip. Make sure to inspect regularly. Also, train your pit to be nice to your halyards. Ie transfer them to a winch before releasing the clutch. This will keep the line from jolting through and getting eaten a small amount every time you blow the halyard.

[boatschit]

waybarger, on Mar 29 2005, 07:22 AM, said:

the xts0608 will give you better holding power on the 5/16 line

... true, I second that.

[Sailing_Addiction]

ContactMyPeople, on Mar 29 2005, 09:15 AM, said:

Ditto. Go with the smaller 0608. Especially if you are using a newer "hi-tech". All of us guys have the same problem thinking something is bigger than what it really is. 5/16" is a lot smaller than you think. It will def. slip in the 0814.

If you are still stuck on thinking you need the larger you can increase the diameter of the line where it is clutched. Two ways to do it. The cleanest way is to pull the core out in the place you want bulk, insert another line in core and milk back in. Be sure to choose a firm line like a 12 strand spectra or Marlow's SuperPrestretch. On a std 5/16 hi-tech you might get away with squeezing a 3/16" in there but remember this will only increase the lines effective diameter by half that (1/8"). That might not even be enough for those Spinlocks. The other way to do it is to simply add a sacrificial cover 1/8" larger than the line's diameter. In this case use a 3/8". This too will only add ~ 1/8". Whip both ends well. Don't waste your time going crazy with whips though. They're not really needed. If you really need to increase diameter you can try both. However, the big jump in size could cause catching at mast exits and on the front side of the clutch when you're trying to pull it in.

Spinlock's internal cam type clutch love to eat up slipping lines. It won't take too long to wear through if you're getting any slip. Make sure to inspect regularly. Also, train your pit to be nice to your halyards. Ie transfer them to a winch before releasing the clutch. This will keep the line from jolting through and getting eaten a small amount every time you blow the halyard.

Ditto this, definitely listen to the above advice.

Depends a lot on what type of line. "High-tech" or standard dacron.

I had brand new Marlow D2 Racing for all of my halyards, which was perfectly rated for mid range of a Spinlock XAS, it was 8mm line in a 6-12mm clutch on a 27' racing boat. But turned out it didn't hold, to everyone's surprise, including Spinlock. Turns out the latest version of D2 is different, missing a mid layer, and doesn't hold the same way as the previous stuff. Slipped and tore the halyard covers to shreds.

Good news was Spinlock was absolutely great about it, sent me new XTS clutches, worked with Marlow to replace the halyards at no charge, and even followed up to see how it was going. Took a while to diagnose the problem and get agreement, but I was happy with the outcome and was quite impressed at the end of the day.

If you're using something like Marlow D2, make sure you get the right one, even check with Spinlock first, as their dealers aren't all aware of the above described problems yet.

[Rodfavela]

This is the one you need.

Spinlock Rope Clutch

Remember that each one of the rope manufacturers may vary the diameter, for example: Marlow's 5/16" is not the same as Yale 5/16"