Cape Cutter 19 Association Forum

Hi folks

Does anybody have difficulty with Genoa / Yankee sheets running free through Spinlock 8-10mm Cam Cleats?

I obtained new Spinlocks and second hand (10mm) sheets from Bob when I bought my refurbished boat but the lazy sheet did not run through free on tacking.
I replaced the sheets with new 10mm Marlow Doublebraid from local chandler, but this does not run free either.
When tacking I furiously have to pull the sheet through the Spinlock in order to be able to sheet it back in.

I am sure the sheets are 10mm under tension but the free ends seem to fatten up loafing in the cockpit!

I don't really want to go down to 8mm or change the cleats. Does anyone know of a better rope other than Dyneema that holds its shape / runs free ?

Nick Cook
Grilla

Hello Nick

When my boat was new, the sheets ran freely through the Spinlocks.
After a few seasons use things got progressively less free.

I found that the innards of the Spinlocks were becoming clogged with "fur" off the sheets.

I asked Bob Brown about this, his answer was WD40, and it works for me.

Remove the sheet from the Spinlock, give the Spinlock a good squirt of WD40, wipe off the surplus, replace sheet.

I have to admit though that the 10mm genoa sheet supplied by HM is nearer to 11mm in diameter, it is marginal though the Spinlock. Also, my staysail sheet is now in it's 10th season and is getting a bit furry but it still runs though the (treated) Spinlocks.

Dennis wrote:Hello Nick

When my boat was new, the sheets ran freely through the Spinlocks.
After a few seasons use things got progressively less free.

I found that the innards of the Spinlocks were becoming clogged with "fur" off the sheets.

I asked Bob Brown about this, his answer was WD40, and it works for me.

Remove the sheet from the Spinlock, give the Spinlock a good squirt of WD40, wipe off the surplus, replace sheet.

I have to admit though that the 10mm genoa sheet supplied by HM is nearer to 11mm in diameter, it is marginal though the Spinlock. Also, my staysail sheet is now in it's 10th season and is getting a bit furry but it still runs though the (treated) Spinlocks.

Hi Dennis

Sorry for delay in reply.

I tried cleaning and WD40 but to no avail.
Having had another frustrating sail when having to put in some quick tacks through racing fleets in Chichester I have resorted to going to 8mm sheet.

Will just have to budget for another pair of sailing gloves!!

Thanks & Regards

Nick