Winch relocation

[Terry Cox]

Anymore, and for some years now, I use the helm wheel brake far more than the AP while underway, especially during long legs. I set it so that I can tweak minor adjustments to help maintain proper sail trim. I also will sit out on the windward rail seat where I have good visibility and can reach the wheel with my boat hook to make these same tweaks.

 

[Capt Robbie]

Red Dog,
Something I forgot to mention previously is that if you do move the winch to the aft location, you will most likely not be able to utilize your aft jib block due to the angle.

I used to teach new sailors on this boat. It's a great boat and I thought personally that it was very comfortable to stear while setting on the the forward bench and on the cowling forward of the wheel. Still had plenty of control of the wheel.
You Just have to get the feel of the boat. As others have posted try sailing it in various conditions and really get a good feel of the boat before making any changes. You may find that they work well right were the are. Your boat handled extremely well as I remember it, very responsive in most conditions.

 

[artboas]

Red Dog,
Something I forgot to mention previously is that if you do move the winch to the aft location, you will most likely not be able to utilize your aft jib block due to the angle.

I used to teach new sailors on this boat. It's a great boat and I thought personally that it was very comfortable to stear while setting on the the forward bench and on the cowling forward of the wheel. Still had plenty of control of the wheel.
You Just have to get the feel of the boat. As others have posted try sailing it in various conditions and really get a good feel of the boat before making any changes. You may find that they work well right were the are. Your boat handled extremely well as I remember it, very responsive in most conditions.

I have the best trick in the world
If you are going to remove a winch, you are going to find out that the PO put a whole bunch of either silicone, or (worst case) the DREADED 5200 underneath.
Trying to remove a winch from a flat surface with 5200 (or even 4200) bedding it down is a massive job. Most people try to hammer a paint scraper underneath, scratch up the Fiberglas, etc.
Here is a great trick....
If you see any visible sealant, remove it with a sharp knife.
Remove all of the mounting bolts.
Then, take a 3/8” line, and tie a bowline which fits over the drum.
Take the bitter end of the line, and run it to the other cockpit winch.
Slowly grind. The winch will pop right off its mountain base, no matter how much sealant is underneath .
Then, temporarily re-install the winch so that you can use it to snap the other winch off.
Best trick ever!!!!!

 

[ARNIE AGNEW]

I'm considering relocating the jib sheet winches on my 1986 28.5. They are the OEM Maxwell's.

My question is this: How much, if any, disassembly is required to relocate the winches? Or, is it as simple as removing the nuts and move it to the new location?

While you have them off would be a good time to service them and that new location should work because that is where the winches on my Hunter 28 are located, great for single handling, and its the factory location on my 1989.