Winches - advice, please.

[mick]

I have 2-speed sheet winches which I plan to replace with self-tailers. 2 speed are a bit pricey, so I thought I might get single speed. Would this be a sensible decision, given that I have always been used to 2 speed?

 

[Gordon]

No, 2 speed essential for jib...........

unless you are as strong as popeye

I think self tailers are over rated

 

[sailorman]

not when single / short handed they are very usefull

 

[jeanne]

The ratio that you loose going from two speed winches to one speed is not the most powerful one, that you use to get the last few inches, but the other one, with less power, but more rope recovered with every turn of the winch, thus giving quicker tacks.
If you race, or sail in narrow waters, this can be important, otherwise it is of no concern. I sail a 33ft cutter, and can handle the two headsails without a two speed winch on either sheet.

 

[Colvic Watson]

Replaced 2 speed non-self tailer with single speed self tailer. I LOVE the ST aspect, it took me a couple of days to get used to it bit can't believe how great it is. The previous post is correct, you loose the fast winding and keep the slow but high ratio gear. It doesn't bother me as you pull most of it in by pulling the rope (and we have a big genny). It would be slightly better to have a 2 speed but it was nearly twice the price, though I would imagine on a race boat it would be essential as it would speed up the tacks.

 

[Strathglass]

A single speed winch gives the full reduction at all times.

A twin speed gives the most reduction typically when rotated clockwise and less reduction (ie pulls the rope in quicker) typically when rotated counter clockwise.

Both single and twin speed give identical maximum mechanical advantage if they are quoted as the same reduction ratio.

To answer the original posters question.
You will have to work a bit faster when initially sheeting in with a one speed winch.
But when the sheet is almost fully in both one and two speed winches will give the same mechanical advantage.
I don't think this would present a real problem.

Iain

 

[Clyde_Wanderer]

[ QUOTE ]
No, 2 speed essential for jib...........

unless you are as strong as popeye

I think self tailers are over rated

[/ QUOTE ]

Dont think the winch speed will make much difference to a 26ftr.
I haul a genoa on a 30ftr by hand and only winch the last few inches, good excercise. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[charles_reed]

As you omit

to give any indication as to type of boat, sail sizes etc. it's difficult to give any serious advice.

However, it's extremely unlikely that a boat fitted with 2-speed winches from new will be workable with single-speed winches. They in any case tend to be at the entry-level end of most winch manufacturers' ranges.

So not a sensible decision

 

[matelot]

Re: As you omit

depends on boat size and your age/fitness. at 26 ft, its marginal - I had a 26 footer with single speed winches but then I was 20 years younger. nowadays I struggle with 2 speed winches on a 34 footer.

try without using the second speed - that will indicate.

I'm told that some of the self tailing add-on gadgets are quite effective

 

[brianhumber]

Re: As you omit

Also how old are you? when I passed 50 things like hips wore out, shoulders ache, so I need more assisstance not less.

Those were the days - Dashing from work on a Friday evening, setting off overnight to Cherbourg, down to Alderney, back to Solent on Sunday, bright and bushy tailed on Monday.

B

 

[mick]

Thanks to all who replied.