"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:l1hib.74370$sp2.18707@lakeread04...
I'm looking for feedback on rope clutches. The choices seem to be
between Lewmar, Spinlock and Antal. Lewmars have a reputation for being
kindest to the line but have very small size ranges. They can be ganged
but no side mount is available. Spinlocks have a wide (and adjustable)
size range but are supposed to be harder on the line. They can be side
mounted but the bigger sizes can't be ganged. I don't know much about
Antals other than they are a bit more pricy.

Right now I am leaning towards Spinlocks but I am open to suggestions.

Spinlock also has some substantial looking jammers but I am not sure
where you would use a jammer rather than a clutch.

Generally clutches work best when used with the largest size line of their
suggested range (i.e. if a clutch is good for 5/16" - 1/2" rope, use 1/2"
for best results). So depending on your running rigging sizes, one brand
might fit better.

Spinlocks are rougher on lines, but do o.k. if you bleed the tension and
don't just open them fully loaded.

The jammers are for high load items (typically halyards on larger boats),
freeing you to use a halyard winch for hoisting another sail. However you
do need the winch to unload them before releasing them. They work well for
what they are designed to do and are the only thing suitable for larger
boats.

I'd buy Lewmars before Spinlocks because I think they are kinder on lines
and thus are cheaper in the long run. Spinlocks "side mounting plates" are
nothing more than a chunk of L shaped aluminum extrusion - no reason you
can't do the same with Lewmars too. However if you can get a much better
price on the Spinlocks, they will do the job fine!

--
Evan Gatehouse

you'll have to rewrite my email address to get to me
ceilydh AT 3web dot net
(fools the spammers)