In the category of rope cutters, there are two systems: the sharpened serrated disc fixed on the shaft or the chisel with a fixed blade and two rotating blades. To put it simply, the sharpened disc does not cut ropes efficiently.
An orin cutter associated with an anode
In order to work, this type of disc must wait for the rope to become taut by wrapping itself around the shaft before hoping to see it cut. But in this case, it is already too late, because the twisting on the tree is prohibitive. The rope could twist the shaft or damage the stern, which could lead to a water leak. The only advantage of this type of rope cutter is its low price (about 200 euros).
If you have to choose such a cutter (the choice is only guided by the price!), we recommend the SLC model which integrates an anode in addition to the sharpening disc. Sold at only 60 euros (trimmer + anode!), it will have to be replaced as soon as the anode is worn out (check at least once a year). This way, you are sure to keep a new and sharp cutter at least for the season.
The shearing of scissors
If you are going to install a barn door, we strongly advise you to choose an efficient model. For this, the Spurs is the most efficient. This model is distributed by Seaview Progress. It has blades that cut the rope even when it is not under tension. This rope cutter has a fixed blade fixed on the stern and two mobile blades that rotate with the propeller shaft. The rope which would come to be caught will be cut by the shearing of the blades.
Available for all shaft diameters from 20 to 75 mm, the investment is more important than the basic cutters (about 900 euros for a 40 mm shaft), but the assurance of its good functioning is largely worth this expense.
