345/348 - Spinlock clutches

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Spinlock clutches

Printed From: myHanse.com
Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 345/348
Forum Description: 345/348 Hints, Tips and News
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15295
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 03:41
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Spinlock clutches

Posted By: Sounder
Subject: Spinlock clutches
Date 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.

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David S
NADINE (Hanse 348 #199)
Western Long Island Sound

Replies:

Posted By: Pat Butler
Date 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

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"Right Time" Hanse 342 3 cabin, wheel helm, shallow draught. Hull #470

Posted By: Magicol
Date 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.

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Hanse 345 #237 based on the Clyde

Posted By: Matt1
Date 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

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Hanse 418 #64 EmBer. Hamble, UK

Posted By: Sounder
Date Posted: 14 August 2025 at 18:27

Thank you for the helpful information. Does anyone know the sizes for the ceramic replacements?

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David S
NADINE (Hanse 348 #199)
Western Long Island Sound

Posted By: Pat Butler
Date 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

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"Right Time" Hanse 342 3 cabin, wheel helm, shallow draught. Hull #470

Posted By: Tranquillity
Date 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.

Posted By: Caulkhead
Date 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.

Posted By: Sounder
Date Posted: 04 September 2025 at 16:08

This is terrific. Thank you. Looking forward to hearing about the grip on the reefing lines.

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David S
NADINE (Hanse 348 #199)
Western Long Island Sound

Posted By: Mike58
Date 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.

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Mike L

Posted By: Sounder
Date Posted: 05 October 2025 at 17:46

Thank you for that information. Do you recall the details of the dyneema you used?

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David S
NADINE (Hanse 348 #199)
Western Long Island Sound

Posted By: Mike58
Date Posted: 05 October 2025 at 18:20

I will look it up and post here. The person who looks after my boat mainly works on racing yachts and he recommended change of halyard rather than clutch. He felt clutches were good quality and definitely not worn.

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Mike L