Lewmar D1 vs Spinlock XAS Rope Clutch

One of the thing on my list of upgrade for my S2 was to replace the Shaeffer jammers for the lifting keel and the main and jib halyard.  I had read all the literature and blogs about the two most popular types. Lewmar makes a D1 and Spinlock makes the XAS model which are the best for my small 22 footer.  I have replaced the lifting keel line and the halyards with Sta Set 5/16 inch line.

Many people swear by the Spinlock brand and say that they hold better than any other rope clutch out there.  Spinlock uses a cam mechanism to clamp down on the rope.  This clamping mechanism does wear the rope point of contact because of the sharp teeth of the cam.  They provide replacement parts for this cam mechanism and are easily serviced. 

I purchased one of these and used it for about a month before I had problems.  I use a 5/16 line for my lifting keel. I went to clamp down on the line and the plastic housing holding the main pin in the handle cracked.  See picture at left.  I am not sure if this is a design error or a point of failure but I was not impressed. The other side of the housing had a crack on top also.  I think you can buy the two sides of the replacement housing for about $25-30.

Safe working load for the XAS is 990lbs. A single Spinlock XAS will cost you about $75 dollars.

One drawback of the Spinlock XAS is that you cannot open or release it under load. You have to use a winch to unload the clutch before you can open it. You can however winch a rope through the clutch while it is closed.

The Lewmar D1 used a domino style device that clamps down on several spots on the line so there is less wear and tear on your lines. They open easily and seem to be sturdier than the Spinlock XAS model. There is virtually no load on the opening mechanism. I think it is a much better design.

The Lewmar D1 can be opened under load and you can winch a line through the clutch while it is closed. The price for a single D1 clutch will cost you $60-65.

The Lewmar D1 has a safe working load of 1100 lbs.  Both clutches have the same bolt whole pattern so they are easily interchangeable.

Here is a picture of the Lewmar D1 that I recently installed on my retractable keel.  Keel weight is about 430 lbs.

I would recommend the Lewmar D1 and I will be buying a double Lewmar D1 to replace the double jammers for my main and jib halyard on the port side.

Has anyone else had any failures of the Spinlock clutches?

Sail On
Mark

New Bluetooth Speaker addition to JollyMon

With all the new technology today I wanted to do something different onboard my boat for entertainment.  Most people put a stereo receiver down below and run wires all over the boat to remote speakers.  These speakers would also have to be cut into the cockpit or bulkheads causing possible leaks and degradation of the structural integrity of the boat.

Most people have all their music on their phone these days. I too own an iPhone and an iPad.  These devices have both Bluetooth and AirPlay for wireless transmission of the music and video to speakers and monitors.

I purchased an iHome wireless Bluetooth speaker on Amazon.com for about $59.00 and mounted it with velcro to the inside of the top bin board on the hatch. I simply turn the hatch board around when I am out sailing to listen to music while underway.  I am free to move around the boat and control the music from my iPhone.

If I watch any videos on my iPhone or iPad the sound from the movie comes over the Bluetooth speaker also.
The speaker has pretty decent quality and volume but will not vibrate the boat like a 1500 watt stereo some kids have in their cars.  It is a sailboat so this small speaker works just fine for me.



JollyMon Wins Kampeska Cup

Summer has flown by so I better update you a little on what has happened.  We had our annual Kampeska Cup Race in July.  My daughter Lauren, son Parker and my nephew Spencer were drafted as crew for the race.   JollyMon and crew came in first in the monohull fleet.  We had a light turnout this year due to the weather but about a dozen boats turned out for the event.

JollyMon at left

JollyMon

 JollyMon at left taking the upwind lead

JollyMon at the finnish

 1st Place Awards

The Winners

Memorial Day Blues

It it Memorial Day weekend and of course is has been raining the whole time.  This is usually the kickoff of the summer season in South Dakota so we may have to wait a little longer. Weather forecast for tomorrow looks dry but in the 60's.

I have had time to do a few projects on the boat.  In order to make the lifting keel easier to raise I replace the original turning block on the deck with a larger one.  The old original one had a 1 7/8 in sheeve.  I purchased a Schaffer 704-11 for $53.00 from West Marine.  This block has a 2 3/8 inch sheeve and has made it a little easier to winch the keel up.  I am looking at going to a 4 to 1 purchase by adding another block.  Reports are that this makes raising easier also. 

I also found a four step ladder that fits the transon of the S2 nicely.  It was $142.00 with %10 off and free shipping from West Marine.  It came with latch hooks and backing plates.  The ladder can be left in place but is easily removed if needed.  The two mounts were place near the top of the transom. I used 3M 4200 to seal everything up.

The ladder is 13 inches wide and 42 inches long. Two steps are in the water when the boat is off the lift.

Spring Projects

The warm winter has made me long for spring. I am hoping is it just around the corner. We are after all nearing the first of February and I trust the worst of the winter is behind us. We took a great vacation to the British Virgin Island over Christmas with the kids and were able to do a little sailing while we were there.

It is time to start making the wish lists for spring projects on the boat.  I completed several last year, getting the bottom painted, replacing the hatch slides, replacing the deck hatch, replacing halyards and installing the Raymarine ST40 depth and speed.

This year my wish list includes a few things to improve the sail handling and comfort of the boat. As always time and money have to be considered.

1. New spinlock rope clutches
2. Refinish the hatch boards
3. New self tailing winches
4. Stearn rail
5. Repaint trailer
6. New trailer tires
7. Bluetooth speakers for iPad stereo
8. Swim ladder
9. Porta potty

Great Day Sailing with Friends

Saturday was a perfect day to get out on the water. We were suppose to have a race for the Kampeska Yacht Club but the interest was just not there.  That did not stop some of us from getting out on the water and enjoying the day. Myself, Chuck Sherman and Brad Johnson and Barry Tietz can be seen below enjoying the day. Thanks Barry for shooting the pictures. Great Sail guys!

Kampeska Cup Regatta

Saturday, July 16 we had our local regatta here on Lake Kampeska. Temperatures were extremely hot and humid and many sailors stayed away.  We did have 10 boat compete in the monohull and multihull divisions. 

I was fortunate enough to have my two kids sail with me along with their cousin Spencer Prefling.  My kids, Parker 16 and Lauren 20 are seasoned sailors.  They have both raced with me on my M20 scow for years while growing up on Lake Kampeska.  Spencer has spent most of his summers here in South Dakota.

Winds were 10-18 so it was a great sailing day. Catch all the action, results and more photos of the Kampeska Cup on our website.  http://kampeskayachtclub.com/

 JollyMon third from the right at start 

 Ready to tack

 Coming by the committee boat

 Beating to weather

 Cruising to victory

 Rail down

 Holding on to win!

The Winners