Spinlock clutches

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   My main halyard clutch is losing its grip after about 4 years. Does anyone know the proper size of the replacements (I’m away from the boat but would like to order the parts)? It seems that I can get to the assembly by removing the clutches from the deck using an access panel in the aft berth. Any pointers would be appreciated.

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
Sounder Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Commander Joined: 11 February 2021 Location: New York Status: Offline Points: 130	Post Options Post Reply Quote Sounder Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Spinlock clutches Posted: 09 August 2025 at 17:39
	My main halyard clutch is losing its grip after about 4 years. Does anyone know the proper size of the replacements (I’m away from the boat but would like to order the parts)? It seems that I can get to the assembly by removing the clutches from the deck using an access panel in the aft berth. Any pointers would be appreciated.
	David S NADINE (Hanse 348 #199) Western Long Island Sound

Pat Butler Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Lieutenant Commander Joined: 07 August 2023 Location: Australia Status: Offline Points: 63	Post Options Post Reply Quote Pat Butler Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 11 August 2025 at 23:52
	Sounder, I would be surprised if you have to access anything from the aft berth, on our 342 the bolts holding the clutches on are threaded into a plate laid into the fibreglass of the cabin top as is everything that is bolted to the top of the boat
	"Right Time" Hanse 342 3 cabin, wheel helm, shallow draught. Hull #470

Magicol Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Commander Joined: 16 June 2016 Location: Scotland Status: Offline Points: 96	Post Options Post Reply Quote Magicol Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 13 August 2025 at 20:44
	I agree with Pat. The starboard side clutches and winches are glassed in but on the port side, on my 345 I can see the bolts threaded into a metal plate. I added some washers and nuts for added strength but have resisted cutting and opening a section in the aft cabin to do the same on the starboard side. I’d be interested to hear of anyone who has done this and also similarly strengthened the self tacking track with washers and nuts which can more easily be accessed under the headlining.
	Hanse 345 #237 based on the Clyde

Matt1 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Rear Admiral Joined: 10 March 2019 Location: Hamble, UK Status: Offline Points: 727	Post Options Post Reply Quote Matt1 Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: 14 August 2025 at 16:40
	Just to add to this, depending on what’s adjacent to the clutches you may not have to remove them as they can be taken apart and parts serviced in situ. If you have to remove them an impact driver may help to get the stainless bolts moving from the aluminium backing plate. If you can do this and just replace the Cams then I’d strongly recommend going ceramic for the high load lines (halliard and kicker) at least, as the grip is far superior and they don’t cost that much more
	Hanse 418 #64 EmBer. Hamble, UK

Sounder Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Commander Joined: 11 February 2021 Location: New York Status: Offline Points: 130	Post Options Post Reply Quote Sounder Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14 August 2025 at 18:27
	Thank you for the helpful information. Does anyone know the sizes for the ceramic replacements?
	David S NADINE (Hanse 348 #199) Western Long Island Sound

Pat Butler Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Lieutenant Commander Joined: 07 August 2023 Location: Australia Status: Offline Points: 63	Post Options Post Reply Quote Pat Butler Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14 August 2025 at 20:48
	Don’t know part numbers, but Matt is correct about getting spin locks off. I resorted to an Easyout in the end to get two of my bolts moving
	"Right Time" Hanse 342 3 cabin, wheel helm, shallow draught. Hull #470

Tranquillity Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Captain Joined: 01 December 2018 Location: Hamble, UK Status: Offline Points: 267	Post Options Post Reply Quote Tranquillity Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14 August 2025 at 22:05
	Hi, Before you go to all the trouble of replacing the cams just try this little trick. If you push the cam hard with your finger against the rope then close the clutch it seems to grip far better. On our 418 the vang used to slip as Hanse use a thinner line but this trick solved the issue. As a ex racing mainsheet trimmer I tend to use a lot of vang tension and never had a problem since. Also open the clutch when pulling lines in to avoid excess wear of cams. Hope it helps.

Caulkhead Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Lieutenant Joined: 26 April 2021 Location: Solent Status: Offline Points: 26	Post Options Post Reply Quote Caulkhead Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 September 2025 at 15:19
	I fitted 8-14 size Ceramic Cams to all the clutches on my Spinlocks on both sides. Not too difficult a job, but you have to "persuade" some of the components to come apart. Was able to do it in-situ, with the boat on the water, but you have to be VERY careful not to lose some of the smaller components overboard! The Ceramic Cams definitely improve the grip on my (very slippery) 10mm Dyneema halyard. Waiting to see how they work with 8mm Dyneema reefing lines.

Sounder Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Commander Joined: 11 February 2021 Location: New York Status: Offline Points: 130	Post Options Post Reply Quote Sounder Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 September 2025 at 16:08
	This is terrific. Thank you. Looking forward to hearing about the grip on the reefing lines.
	David S NADINE (Hanse 348 #199) Western Long Island Sound

Mike58 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Lieutenant Joined: 07 April 2021 Location: UK Status: Offline Points: 22	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mike58 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 05 October 2025 at 09:36
	I had a similar experience. Rather than change the clutch I changed the main halyard to dyneema. The halyard fitted is not high spec and stretches with use - causing slippage. I have had no problems in pretty difficult conditions with the dyneema halyard.
	Mike L



Welcome to myHanse.com the forum for Hanse Yachts owners throughout the world.