Beneteau 352 Possible Project

[joker460]

Beneteau 352 Feasible Project

I have a 1999 Beneteau 352.

There are 4 winches on the deck , 2 on each side of the cabin access.

The 2 outer ones are for the Genoa.

I'd like to make the genoa rigging more traditional, with the lines coming back to within reach of the wheel like most boats.

This would mean 2 new tracks and associated sliders. This would also mean 2 new winches. Now the problem would be , where do you mount the winches ?

Has anybody with the same boat (350,351,352) done this modification??

Thanks for responses

 

[MSN-Travelers]

Don't have anything to offer other than a desire to do the same mod. The 361, the model that replaced the 352, has the primary winches on the cockpit coaming at the wheel. Your boat is non-standard. The basic model came with only two coach roof winches and it is a challenge when single handing.

 

[joker460]

Thanks for the reply.

The bolt circle for the 45# winch is about 5-3/4".

This means you can't mount it vertically since there is not enough meat along the cockpit rim to hold it.

The other way is to mount it to the outside wall of the cockpit opposite the wheel. It would then be some what horizontal. It would work, but look strange.

Right now I use a remote control for the auto pilot. It saves on running back and forth.

Bye the way I Just drove back from Jefferson Beach Marina (MI) yesterday. Snow storm all the way back to Toronto.

 

[joker460]

What do you think about this 352. I just came across this site:http://www.salcarusodesign.com/Site_2/photos.html

Notice 2 things.

1.) The location of the genoa winch
2.) The table which is not standard.

 

[Dobber]

I believe this was an option on the later 351s or 361. I think you can place two mains aft of the lazzarette lockers on the top of the bench cockpit coaming. E-mail Joe at customer service and ask this one.

 

[joker460]

I sent an email to Beneteau USA and they came back and said it was not an option for the 352 as well as the cockpit table modification.

I also dropped and email to the guy selling the boat. The modifications were done by the previous owner and he couldn't help.

I also updated the website posted as it wasn't working.

 

[Rob2435]

Did you ever make the changes? I have a 352 as well and have often thought of doing the same thing. It get's very confusing for people when tacking and it would be so much easier if there were winches aft for the jib.

 

[joker460]

I have come up with an idea. I have also purchased some Harken 40 ST winches that were on sale for 1/2 price.

I will need to reinforce the coaming with extra layers of fiberglass.

I'm working on the CAD drawings for the Winch bracket and hope to have something soon.

Attached is a photo from from a boat that has the bracket but it's not a Beneteau, but the idea is there.

 

[joker460]

Attached are some pic's of a mock-up sort of.

I can see that there are a few views of this thread. If anyone sees a flaw in my logic please speakup.

The one downside is that the port and starboard lockers can only be opened to the 90 degree mark. They need to be tied off with a bungee cord to prevent one from losing his head. I think I can live with that.

You'll notice that the location is on top of a dividing wall which serves as a reinforced area. I still believe I need to beef up the coaming (On the inside)with some extra layers of fiberglass. Will also use SS backing plates.

Then use a toerail padeye with block arrangement as shown. I'll leave all the existing hardware in place so that when I have sailors onboard to help, it will be easy to run the line back the original way.

 

[joker460]

This is a alternative location.

You still can only raise the lockers 90 degrees.

It's a bit tight on the starboard side due to the fuel and waste discharge ports but it might be doable. No Bracket would be required, only a base.

I would have to remove the corner seats which I don't use that much anyways.

 

[joker460]

Update: I finished the drawings for the brackets and they are being manufactured locally. Should have in 1-1/2 weeks.

Great day for sailing. 8-16 knots of wind out of the southwest. Almost the best day of this year. Water temp 14 degrees C (57 F).

Wind was a bit chilly but by noon , temp was up to 70 F

I'll be glad when this modification is done. Won't have to set the autohelm to tack and then run up to the genoa winches. In forward thinking for this type of boat it might have been better to mount the autohelm control module at the cabin entrance way instead of at the pedestal. Just a thought.

 

[joker460]

A little update on the progress.

Brackets are back and don't look too bad for $150.

Added some pictures.

Main backing plate needs a bit of triming to avoid some of the fiberglass.

Not sure if I want to put some marine plywood between the fiberglass and the backing plate since the fiberglass is not even throughout.

Fiberglass thickness at the coaming under the bracket is now 1/2" thick.

I may put an angle bracket from the backing plate to the bulkhead for additional strength.

Also need to trim off the screw lengths.

That's it for now. I have to do the Port side next.

Larger Res Pictures
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/5afc1
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/e5819
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/6b35f
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/9c33c
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/52f18

 

[Benjamin Disralei]

Hi Joker 460

I think you have come up with an exceptional result for single handed sailing and your winch issue and your bracket look great. hope it all works well.

Do you use an asymmetrical spinnaker...? I guess not looking at the set up from your photo's, however there is nothing stopping you now.

Well done.

 

[joker460]

Thanks Benjamin,

Added a few more pictures. Can't have too many.

One shows the shows the starboard locker open. I have an idea of using a car strut for the lockers. Something like the one ones used on hatchbacks.

Another project but not right now

One photo shows the lanyard from the genoa to the winch via a block on the toe rail. The block and toe rail clamp where already aboard.

I'm still leaving all the old rigging in place so that it can be easily converted back when more people are on board.

Total cost so far has been about $1560.00 and that includes the 40.2 ST winches that were on sale.

 

[joker460]

This will be my last entry to this thread.

I've finished the mods and it looks good, I think.

Should make single handling much easier for this boat.

Larger Photo http://www.freeimagehosting.net/4d1e0