Reefing winch

[Ardenfour]

I want to fit a reefing winch. I can't get enough purchase using the existing set up. The question I have is, should the winch be attached to the boom or the mast?

 

[chris-s]

What boat? Would a set of blocks not be sufficient?

 

[geem]

I want to fit a reefing winch. I can't get enough purchase using the existing set up. The question I have is, should the winch be attached to the boom or the mast?

It depends if you have jammers on the boom. On my set up there are three jammers built in to the boom on the underside. One for the outhaul and two for the reefs. All three lines can go direct to the reefing winch on the rear of the mast. I added a third reef external to the boom. This uses a footblock at the outer end of the boom and a clutch at the mast end of the boom, fitted to the boom. The reefing line leads to a low friction ring on a short strop fitted to a cleat on the mast that provides a lead to the existing reefing winch on the mast.

 

[Ardenfour]

32' ketch.
No jammer fitted, just 2 cleats. I have jammer I could fit. Also have various small winches. I plan to use the winch for the clew outhaul as well. Present system is system of blocks inside the boom but its ancient and ready to give up. 50yr old boom, not easy to dismantle. I just wondered pros and cons of winch location.

 

[Neeves]

We have mast based winches, intended for reefing - but we had most rigging routed to the cockpit and they are 'sort of' redundant. We too have clutches inside at the mast end of the boom.

I would not fancy using a winch on a frantically gyrating boom, at any time of day - mast location offers a more steady working platform.

Jonathan

 

[[70521]]

I must be missing something as I have never needed a winch to reef. Use the topping lift to raise the boom to the reefing point and the halyard to drop the sail. Adjust the lines, job done. I've used this on boats ranging from 10 to 30 metres.

 

[PetiteFleur]

Mine is a st winch fitted on the mast - with a turning block below it to give a good lead. Jammer on boom as well.

 

[geem]

I must be missing something as I have never needed a winch to reef. Use the topping lift to raise the boom to the reefing point and the halyard to drop the sail. Adjust the lines, job done. I've used this on boats ranging from 10 to 30 metres.

It can't be done on my boat without a reefing winch but we reef downwind when there is pressure in the sail. For this you need a winch.

 

[[70521]]

It can't be done on my boat without a reefing winch but we reef downwind when there is pressure in the sail. For this you need a winch.

We all do things differently.

 

[Daydream believer]

Put the winch on the aft end of the cabin and set up single line reefing. Stay off the deck in rough weather

 

[Ardenfour]

Put the winch on the aft end of the cabin and set up single line reefing. Stay off the deck in rough weather

I can't lead lines back to the cockpit or cabin top. I have a glass wheelhouse, can't bring lines through. Also, halyards are made at the mast, so have to visit there to reef anyway

 

[Daydream believer]

I can't lead lines back to the cockpit or cabin top. I have a glass wheelhouse, can't bring lines through. Also, halyards are made at the mast, so have to visit there to reef anyway

Well You might drown but at least you can grow decent tomatoes in the. Interim