Buying advice. Only two winches?

[Boathook]

I expect most people only have one winch on their sailing yacht (the anchor winch) but 2 ,or 4 capstans. A winch has its rope or chain permanently attached

I call that a windlass. A lot of boats still don't have one.

Possibly the language has evolved over the years.

 

[xyachtdave]

I expect most people only have one winch on their sailing yacht (the anchor winch) but 2 ,or 4 capstans. A winch has its rope or chain permanently attached

If I get 5 minutes spare tomorrow I’ll give Harken a call and let them know!

 

[chrisclin]

I have a Hunter Pilot and have only one winch. Admittedly the boat has a self-tacking Jib but i only ever use the winch for hoisting the main. I was very dubious coming from a boat with 6 winches but it does seem to work.
The only problem I find is that as I don't put the jibsheet round the winch, the only way I can tighten the Jib is by throwing in a tack and pulling in the sheet while the boat is head to wind. However you're talking about having 2 winches - luxury!!!

 

[ProDave]

The only problem I find is that as I don't put the jibsheet round the winch, the only way I can tighten the Jib is by throwing in a tack and pulling in the sheet while the boat is head to wind. However you're talking about having 2 winches - luxury!!!

We use the port winch for both the main halyard and the jib sheet. Once hoisted the main halyard is clamped in it's clutch and released from the halyard leaving it free for the jib sheet.

The starboard winch is for the spinnaker.