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Rope Clutchs What size

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frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/09/2004 : 00:03:27

I have a chance to get Lewmar triple clutches for one boat unit each. These clutches will take rope from 1/4" - 5/16". The question, is 5/16" big enough or should I get ones that take 1/4" - 1/2" rope. I can't see a reason for 1/2" sheets, halyard or anything else on a C250, but I am new to this boat and really need help.
I am still learning and it is real scary the way she rolls up so fast, especially in puffs. With the winds hear lately I have not unrolled the genny just sailed on the main and the other day I got the feeling I should have reef that. The winds were 15 gust to 20, but the gusts kept shifting around 20 to 30 degrees. I finally just turned her into the wind folded my tent and went home since I was by myself. The General is in Fairfax, Va. freezing while I'm home in 78 degrees.

Frog and The General

C250, Pretty Penny II, #743
FLEET 25
Coronado 15, M-Cube, #3316

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 02/09/2004 : 06:50:26

5/16 are all that is needed for halyards and control lines.

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">I am still learning and it is real scary the way she rolls up so fast, especially in puffs.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

Sounds like your getting to know her... and to know her is to realize she will give light air performance in trade for early reefing. Both reef points are needed and should be rigged for as simple setting as possible. If a reef is difficult to set, a tendency to avoid or delay setting might result.

Unfortunately, its my opinion that the starting point is to abandon the stock single line system and work from there in rigging both points.

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 02/09/2004 : 09:09:31

I wish my memory were not that of an ageing man! I do remember holding the Lewmar and Spinlocks side by side and my Chandler telling me why the industry is so impressed with the new Spinlock XAS design and that it was clearly better than the Lewmar.

I am drawn to sailing by two visceral feelings. One is a compulsion to optimize a "system", the other is the near primal feelings I get when sailing in high wind. Regardless of how civilized my daily life is, when at the helm in heavy wind I am completely focused on the power of nature and my response to it. It helps me believe that just maybe I do have some concept of what is real in this world. Even on the days when I fold my tent, I like to believe it was because it was what I had to do because 110% was all that I could do and 111% would be a mistake. My guess is you had a great time, white knuckles and all.

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Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 02/09/2004 : 20:35:31

I got the 1/2" clutches. I know the trend is to go with new high tech light weight thin strong lines, however, I prefer the feel of a fatter line for higher load purpouses. Since I'm not a racer the drag/weight is not a major consideration. I Specifically upgraded the main halyard to a fatty (1/2" I think....cold out there, not going out to measure), and I can also decide to run the boomvang through it.

As far as sailing in the winds....in the comfort of the slip set a double reef (one on top of the other) Then go sailing.... take the jib out to about 90-100%. That should feel good 20-25 knots. If you feel you can handle more power, shake the second reef, the first one will be there for you.

Oscar

Lady Kay 250 WB #618
In the driveway in Behtlehem, PA ready to go anytime.

Edited by - Oscar on 02/09/2004 20:46:09

frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts

Response Posted - 02/09/2004 : 21:45:53

Frank, I to have the same problem. I hope someone with knowlege of both can shed some more light on the subject. I can get the XAS Spinlocks for a 1/4 boat unit more and will do so if they prove to be better.
The white knuckle day was a eye poper. It is still difficult to put Pretty Penny's characteristics out of my mine when sailing PennyII. Penny would would just roll up gently in these winds were PennyII rolles up in a nano second. I will take Oscar's advice and leave the dock with at least one reef for now since I haven't added the second reef capability yet. All my sailing since November is just been trying to get the feel of PennyII. I temp. installed the two water tanks and plan on filling for my next sail, just to see what the additional 211 lbs in the nose will do.

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