winch on aft side of mast

Jan 13, 2013
3
Hunter 27 Cherubini Seattletown
on the H-31, yrs 83-87, there is a winch and winch pad on the aft side of mast just under the boom with a slight downward angle-what is it's purpose?
 
Jan 22, 2008
1,654
Hunter 34 Alameda CA
Some folks had difficulty reefing with the system provided (not a single line reefing system) and added a winch where you describe. We were taught how to manage the sail with everything slack (mainsheet), sailing close reached to the wind, and the topping lift fully raised. So a winch for us was unnecessary. After securing the luff cringle to the gooseneck horn and tightening the halyard a bit, the reef line is addressed. I pull it to get the leech down to the elevated boom as best I can then form a loop and stick my foot into it to cinch it down the rest of the way. Then I engage the jammer to keep it from slipping then dump the topping lift and sheet the main in.
 

HMT2

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Mar 20, 2014
899
Hunter 31 828 Shoreacres, TX
I've used it for the outhaul. It can be used for a halyard as well. But I've used it maybe three or four times in the seven years I've had the boat. BTW it's an '83 H 31.