C30 winches

[Chris Gonzales]

My '79 C30 has original cabintop and spinnaker winches and oversize 2-speed ST winches(they ar 40's or 46's) for the jib sheets. I want to replace all but the spinnaker winch. Does anyone know what the original size of these winches are from Catalina? Do you have a suggestion for size to increase sheeting/hauling eaze?ThanksChris

 

[Rick]

Winches

Chris,My '89 C30 has 2 speed ST40s for the jib, a single speed ST16 on the cabintop for the main and a single speed lewmar 7 non-self tailer on the port side of the cabin top for the jib halyard. All are factory original.If I were to upgrade I would want to replace the 7 on the port side with a ST16 single speed to match the one on the starboard side cabin top that the main uses.The jib sheet winches seem to be one or two sizes too small for my wife to crank. Either a 44 or a 48 would be about right. The ST40 works for me OK on the starboard side because I crank with my right hand while facing forward to see the results of my action. The port winch is more difficult because when you crank with your right hand you have to twist your body around to see forward. If I were to upgrade only one winch it would be the port jib winch. With a 44 or a 48 I would be able to crank left handed while facing forward.In the meantime I just tack slowly and try to have most of the cranking done before sail has a load on it.

 

[A. J. Byllott]

You'd be surprised how much difference a longer winch handle makes. For example, if you are using a standard 8" handle, going to a 10" handle provides 25% more power, or 20% less work. Doing that made life easier for me.To ease the job of jib trimming, especially when you're close hauled, point a little higher so that the jub begins to luff. This removes some of the load on the halyard and you'll have an easier time trimming.Then ease back to your course.