replacing single rope clutch with double---how do you access bolts in head cabin top?

[Herschel]

My single rope clutch for the main halyard finally broke from too much UV and being stepped on (I suppose). I thought I would replace it with a double and run the centerboard line through the inboard clutch and the main halyard through the outboard clutch. I know I have some new holes to drill and need to gain access to the cabin ceiling in the head. I have never had to undo the cabin ceiling before to gain access to through bolts. Any advice is appreciated.

[Russ]

The M has a "mirror" access panel below. Also zillions of hole "plugs" in the headliner.
Looking at your pic, I wonder if you could remove the compass for access?

[Herschel]

The M has a "mirror" access panel below. Also zillions of hole "plugs" in the headliner.
Looking at your pic, I wonder if you could remove the compass for access?

Going up to the marina day after tomorrow (4/19) and scope out the situation. Dividing task into three parts. (1) Scope out access issues and insure I have the necessary SS hardware, (2) remove old single clutch and fill necessary holes with MarineRx epoxy and give it time to cure, (3) install new double clutch in optimum position using hardware and silicone sealant. Got a five-day RV trip in the middle of this, so it will be drawn out some.

[Be Free]

Most of the bolts have access holes under them. I'm working out of town for a few more days so I can't check but I think that the winch and the rope clutch bolts can be accessed through a large black plastic cover in the ceiling.

BTW I have double clutches on each side. I run the jib halyard and jib down-haul through the port clutches and the main halyard and (when I install it) the main down-haul through the starboard set. If you want to move the centerboard to the clutch I think you will need to add at least one turning block to get it to line up.

[OverEasy]

Hi Herschel

Great idea on the double clutch!
Mind if if copy it?

With our adding our new traveler pulley system for our swing keel lift line now would be the perfect time to add a clutch set so we can more easily secure this line.

On our 2001 Max26X there is a round cutout in the top aft face of the head over the ‘sink’ that sorta allows access (being an armor plated contortionist will help! ). If you have a similar opening (might be hidden behind a cover panel that we didn’t get) you might want to spend a couple minutes taping over te edges with painters tape to avoid cut and scratches. It’s an awkward reach for us anyway.

Best Regards
Over Easy !

[krum]

Just a thought. If there is no plug where your ideal location is. Then consider drilling your mounting holes with a drill bit long enough to penetrate the inner ceiling. Then with the correct hole saw make an access hole to be covered with the same size hole plugs that are used throughout the boat. To be honest, I have not done this myself. "Your mileage may vary".

[OverEasy]

Hi Krum!

That the same technique we used to mount our mid cleats. It sorta worked except for where the upper deck reinforcements were located.
Wasn’t enough room for the white plug caps to be inserted. My original modification of the caps didn’t work so good. I’m gonna try again but will use 5400 to seal/adhere them in place next time.

Best Regards
Over Easy

[Herschel]

Got up to the boat. Here is the current configuration and access holes. Innermost (to the right in the pic) are the current clutch bolts. Outer ones are for the stanchion. The clutch instructions say to keep the angle of lines to the clutch under 10 degrees. So, I will have to see how that lines up with my intended use---outboard for main halyard, inboard one for centerboard line. If I
need to shift the clutch more inboard, it may get dicey finding a way to mount it without making a mess of my head headliner!

[Herschel]

Hey, guys! My Army/Marine buddy, Lamar, and I got up to the boat today and installed the double rope clutch. Except for a stray washer down the toilette, everything went smoothly. I do need to get some more of those white round plastic things that plug the holes we make in the headliner. Does anyone know what they are called and where they might be purchased? I have to admit that there was some septuagenarian influence to take the path of least resistance and reuse the two holes from the single clutch even though the angle of the line to the centerboard is a tad over 10 degrees (the recommended limit). I wanted to get the centerboard line away from the jib truck/track/block combo and the hatch cover so the block in the centerboard line didn't snag on the aforementioned. Used silicone sealant liberally in the holes and under the clutch.

[OverEasy]

Hi Herschel!

They are available from Blue Water Yacht
They are called liner plugs and come in a variety of sizes and quantities
Hope this helps






Best Regards
Over Easy

[Russ]

Nice work. You will enjoy those rope clutches.

[Herschel]

Hi Herschel!

They are available from Blue Water Yacht
They are called liner plugs and come in a variety of sizes and quantities
Hope this helps



Best Regards
Over Easy

Ordered. Many thanks. Bought three sizes while at it. Never know what is next. Ground shipment from Washington State to Florida. but good to have it in the works. Now to get that pesky washer out of the toilet line...