Distance from winch to clutch

[kingfisher]

I just bought a double clutch to place on my coachroof. The clutch will hold the headsail and spinakker halyard (these are currently straight from the mast on two non-tailing dedicated winches, and then cleated off). On some yachts, there is about a meter distance between the winch and the clutch, on other yachts its a dozen cm. Which is right/better?

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

I usually sail alone, therefore my layout has to be suitable for my own particular needs. In this case I would be holding on to the tail of the halliard with one hand while I reach out to flip the clutch with the other hand. I would suggest that anything further than 40 cms would be too much for comfortable use.

 

[Gin]

I agree, releasing the clutch under pressure sometimes requires tension on the winch- so rope tail in one hand, having tensioned the winch then requires the other hand to be able to reach the clutch to release it.

On my boat I have to reach over the winch or stand on a companion way step and on a pitching platform the distance between the two is about right at about 15-16 inches

 

[johnalison]

As well as the ergonomics as described above, if the lines from the clutches haven't got a straight run to the winches exactly, a longer distance will lessen the angle and therefore friction caused.

Actually, self-tailers are worth having for this application, if only to leave you a hand to brace yourself with.

 

[lw395]

I would say as far forward as is reasonable to operate, so that the run to the winch is pretty straight. Otherwise winch is trying to pull clutch off deck and adding lots of friction. Not so bad with one twin clutch, but worse with a bank of 6 or whatever. Also consider raising the clutch on a pad if it keeps the lines straighter and off the deck, rubbing along the deck is another friction source.
60cm is fine if its all more or less in line imho. I would try to keep the angle the rope is bent through less than 10deg.
Some clutches have better fairleads than others.

 

[johnalison]

I assume the run is fairly straight, but if lines are coming from a double or multiple clutch to one winch, there is bound to be at least one line that deviates, if only slightly, and I agree that keeping the friction down is important, which is what I said.

 

[Gin]

[ QUOTE ]
Actually, self-tailers are worth having for this application, if only to leave you a hand to brace yourself with.


[/ QUOTE ]

I agree entirely, I've just this week replaced my main halyard winch with a self-tailer