Dangerous Harken Winch.

[Nostrodamus]

I've done literally miles of rope ascent and descent in connection with caving and climbing and have no problem with the safety of single rope usage. As long as one knows the age and condition of the rope it really shouldn't be a problem.
I do condemn the use of powered winches for going up and down masts, it doesn't seem to sink in with some people, including a number of forumites that it's very dangerous. There's been threads in the past where it's been argued through and some simply will not accept that it is.

I agree that powered winches should not be used and this thread gives a good reason why. Having said that if you are a cruising couple, miles from land and someone HAS to go up the mast I know my wife would not be able to haul me up and her fear of going up would stop her. I would be in a dilemma depending on the situation.

 

[Graham_Wright]

I agree that powered winches should not be used and this thread gives a good reason why. Having said that if you are a cruising couple, miles from land and someone HAS to go up the mast I know my wife would not be able to haul me up and her fear of going up would stop her. I would be in a dilemma depending on the situation.

Then you need a MastaClimba. Why doesn't everyone have one?

 

[onesea]

I agree that powered winches should not be used and this thread gives a good reason why. Having said that if you are a cruising couple, miles from land and someone HAS to go up the mast I know my wife would not be able to haul me up and her fear of going up would stop her. I would be in a dilemma depending on the situation.

If AT ALL possible do not go up...

One south African guy I sailed with (none yachty) had the ultimate horror story...

A couple had a problem with halyard the husband got winched up to fix. It jammed with him up there she sailed into port with his body still up there

Not certain if it a well known case, but since I heard this I have thought more how I go up mast even in port!

 

[2Tizwoz]

Accidents do happen. That's why you need two lines.

http://www.pressherald.com/news/jor...who-lived-life-to-its-fullest_2012-01-28.html

'As first mate on the Schooner Appledore, Jordan "J.C." Smith often jumped at the chance to be hoisted up the ship's mast to make repairs and take in the spectacular harbor views.

Any one of the crewmen could have performed the exhilarating task. Instead, he eagerly stepped in to help.

On Jan. 17, Mr. Smith was working in a harness near the top of the ship's mast fixing the radar equipment when the line came loose and he fell about 50 feet onto the deck of the ship docked in Key West, Fla.

Mr. Smith died Monday from his injuries. He was 25.'

 

[savageseadog]

.............Mr. Smith was working in a harness near the top of the ship's mast fixing the radar equipment when the line came loose and he fell about 50 feet onto the deck of the ship docked in Key West, Fla.

Mr. Smith died Monday from his injuries. He was 25.'

Working at height is always going to be dangerous if your "line comes loose"

 

[tim_ber]

I agree that powered winches should not be used and this thread gives a good reason why. Having said that if you are a cruising couple, miles from land and someone HAS to go up the mast I know my wife would not be able to haul me up and her fear of going up would stop her. I would be in a dilemma depending on the situation.

Only option would be your wife on the winch, and son standing by the circuit breakers ready to flip the switch?

 

[DownWest]

A vaugely remembered story from an RAF guy about Buccaneers. They had a problem with water ingress with the elevator trim control. Used to go off by itself. The short term cure was a bit of string attached to the fuse. If the pilot felt the problem, he 'mentioned' it to the back seater, who quickly yanked the string. Might have been just a story tho...

Martin, over in the US, used to build the licenced Canberras. They also tried a jet flying boat/bomber. The Pacific war pointed out the need for a/craft that did not need runways or carriers.
Any way, the elevator trim was on a screwjack. They had two runaways. One near Washington. The trim went full nose down. The wings clapped hands under the fuselarge and what was left ended up on the bottom of the Potomac.
Bit of drift here, but it isn't just winches.
DW

 

[Nostrodamus]

Well just to let you know Harken UK have been wonderful I am sure but not to me. Even though I have e mailed them I have heard nothing back.. not a peep...

 

[snooks]

Well just to let you know Harken UK have been wonderful I am sure but not to me. Even though I have e mailed them I have heard nothing back.. not a peep...

Ever thought of using a telephone?

Number on this page

Why not phone and speak to someone instead of waiting for an Email reply?

You have the power of speech, use it....If you believe you have a serious problem, speak to someone FFS!