Reefing and Windlass problems

[brianhumber]

Reefing
Wife not impressed with me on coachroof hooking on reefs in a blow ( shes not impressed with any kind of wind over F3 actually) on our own.
I like my present slab hooks and cringles cause its the KISS principal but have given in and ordered a new boom with single line reefing for 2 reefs and conventional crinkles for 3rd reef flattner etc for the rest of the string. Went for new boom cause found more corrosion and stress cracking inside the boom at the outhaul end and I have already moved the mainsheet attachment along once. So - will see how we go.

Windlass
Having reached the aged mariner snow white beard state, my back is not keen on me hauling up the pick on my own. Also wife asking which way is the lead, and me not hearing some 13m away cause I am deaf, does not improve Skipper/crew relations.
Having sent off a lot of readies to the boom chaps, I am not very keen to send another wedge to windlass chappies.
So - does anybody use their main winches as substitute windlass? idea being to rolling hitch the warp/chain and with spare length of locker rope winch away on the mains. When warp chain gets to winch (some 10m) attach second length of rope on t'other side and winch away again etc
Am I being too much of a cheapskate?. I will give this a good expriment this weekend in a sheltered spot.

Brian

 

[Robin]

Brian

Let the moths outof the wallet and fit a windlass! What you suggest might work in an emergency but oh so very slowly. Once you have a proper windlass you will find anchoring is a pleasure again and on those occasions there is a tiny nagging doubt about if it in the right place or it is just holding on weed or.... you will just press the buttons and do it all again. It also encourages you to use plenty of chain (it doesn't work in the locker) because raising it is no longer an effort.

Robin

 

[twisterkai]

Your 'cheapskate' windlass method will work - they used to do it on the ocean youth club boats, all 72' of them and the one that I knew only had one winch mounted on a pedestal in the cockpit (plus halyard winches on the mast). There were 2 options for lifting the anchor. First one was man power, second was a chain hook on a length of line that ran through a series of blocks back to the cockpit. A very slow process but workable.

I think I'd be inclined to save some more pennies and get a powered windlass - I've just fitted a Lofrans and it's great!

 

[jimi]

I have done this, but as already said, its a very slow process. Go for the electric winch.. you know it makes sense!

 

[Swagman]

Go for the windlass - we tried for two seasons to run a 40' without anything up front - and ever since have regretted the time I wasted not just getting the anchor up and stored, but getting it sorted so we could launch properly.
IMHO it is well worth the investment in an electrical jobbie.
JOHN

 

[FullCircle]

Spend a Grand on a windlass or 2 Grand on the Chiropracter........
Never had one before this year, I now know what I have been missing.

 

[twisterkai]

Just to start you in the right direction, the lofrans that I've just fitted (12volt Kobra, 1000w) is suitable for boats up to 43' and the price including all the cables etc was a tad under £700. If you look at the Lewmar range then you'll need to book your cardio rehab course now, or save a bit and look at the Quick/Plastimo models.

 

[phatcat1]

I am a relativly fit(ish) 37 yo, and after pulling up heavy anchors in a blow/strong tide/crap weather with swmbo not happy on the helm, i would get a windlass fitted!

There is no point being a hero, then getting a bad back and ruining your sailing!

Make life easy and enjoy the ride

 

[poter]

Brian
Singleline reefing...
Just a couple of points, you may have to get some decent cars for your main so that it will run easier for your single line reefing, & I assume you will get a boom strut? or you will have to bring the topping lift back to the cockpit.

Do get the best control blocks you can afford Lewmar are best IMHO but get at least ball bearing type to reduce friction.

Last but not least the traverlers in the boom require frequent maintanence, so keep em clean & use the recommended lubricant... I seem to remember Seldon had thier own.

Good luck

poter.

 

[kengill]

Brian, Tried the two ropes theory on our last boat but it was a pain trying to do rolling hitches on the foredeck when it was lumpy and dark.

Solution was to buy two chain hooks and splicethem onto the ends of the two ropes and it became less of a hassle

Having said that I've now gone and fitted a lofrans Airon 1000 and the 900kg pull is fantastic!!. What makes it better is getting the radio control as well so one can up anchor without even putting down ones gin.

Fair winds
Ken