Hi I am new to the group and we just bought a 34' Columbia sailboat and are in the process of refinishing the topsides and deck. We are wondering about relocating the winches. Right now they are foward of the wheel, so to trim the genoa you have to lock the wheel go fwd and trim the sails, if sailing single handed. We are wanting some input on moving the winchs back next to the wheel. Here is a picture what we are thinking, any input would be great thanks. Scott
Changing Winch Location
- Thread starter Amorita
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Several thoughts
Be sure the combing is as robust at the new place. If you do a lot of singlehanding you will probably end up with an auto pilot, which will enable you to leave the wheel in order to sheet the winches so maybe moving them won't be such a priority.
Be sure the combing is as robust at the new place. If you do a lot of singlehanding you will probably end up with an auto pilot, which will enable you to leave the wheel in order to sheet the winches so maybe moving them won't be such a priority.
Hmm...
..I wonder if that will be a problem when sailing with crew? The 34's are a bit tight back there as I recall. Another idea: pick up a set of used winches off e-bay or a marine salvage place like Minney's Marine, and mount them as you propose. That way you have a set near the helm for single-handing, but also a second set for spinnaker or staysail in the future. Of course, it's always easy to spend someone else's $$$. Rick D.
..I wonder if that will be a problem when sailing with crew? The 34's are a bit tight back there as I recall. Another idea: pick up a set of used winches off e-bay or a marine salvage place like Minney's Marine, and mount them as you propose. That way you have a set near the helm for single-handing, but also a second set for spinnaker or staysail in the future. Of course, it's always easy to spend someone else's $$$. Rick D.
Maybe not
Hi Scott, I do not think I would do that, with crew it will be a pain, without crew you will eventually want an autopilot/windvane. If you are thinking Spinaker I would add 2 blocks on the pushpit Starboard and port to run the Spi lines first then back to the winches. BTW aren't the genoa tracks reversed on your drawing? Forward part more outboard than aft part? Cheers, BTW, Colombia 34,nice boat! a.
Hi Scott, I do not think I would do that, with crew it will be a pain, without crew you will eventually want an autopilot/windvane. If you are thinking Spinaker I would add 2 blocks on the pushpit Starboard and port to run the Spi lines first then back to the winches. BTW aren't the genoa tracks reversed on your drawing? Forward part more outboard than aft part? Cheers, BTW, Colombia 34,nice boat! a.
2nd the ....
idea of the autopilot...why mess with changing lead angles, tracks, etc.? You will also find the auot pilot usefull at other times..like when motoring, to get a beer, go to the head or to go forward when your roller furler gets jammed...etc, etc.
idea of the autopilot...why mess with changing lead angles, tracks, etc.? You will also find the auot pilot usefull at other times..like when motoring, to get a beer, go to the head or to go forward when your roller furler gets jammed...etc, etc.
Autopilot, definitely
It'll be a bit of work to beef up the coaming to handle the loads of the winches at the new location and if you or a future owner ever race the boat having the winches aft of the helm will be a nuisance, to say the least. I vote for the autopilot too.
It'll be a bit of work to beef up the coaming to handle the loads of the winches at the new location and if you or a future owner ever race the boat having the winches aft of the helm will be a nuisance, to say the least. I vote for the autopilot too.
sit ahead of the helm
I singlehand a Columbia 10.7 (35). I sit on the windward side of the cockpit, just ahead of the helm. Put a wrap or two on the leeward winch, then bring the sheet across the cockpit with a few wraps on the windward winch in more than light air so there's no need to move. Sheet and helm are within close reach. When its time to grind is the only time my hand leaves the helm, but you'll have the same problem with the winches brought aft, unless they're self-tailers, and then that problem is solved anyway. When necessary I can use my foot to steer, but generally the boat holds course just fine. Of course, you can lock the helm too.
I singlehand a Columbia 10.7 (35). I sit on the windward side of the cockpit, just ahead of the helm. Put a wrap or two on the leeward winch, then bring the sheet across the cockpit with a few wraps on the windward winch in more than light air so there's no need to move. Sheet and helm are within close reach. When its time to grind is the only time my hand leaves the helm, but you'll have the same problem with the winches brought aft, unless they're self-tailers, and then that problem is solved anyway. When necessary I can use my foot to steer, but generally the boat holds course just fine. Of course, you can lock the helm too.
Winch Location
I vote for Rick's Idea. Add winches to the new location, and leave the others where they are.
I vote for Rick's Idea. Add winches to the new location, and leave the others where they are.
Aft Winches
The position you indicate seems a little further aft than needed; check for a clean lead to the winch from the Genoa tracks. If you look at any of the older mid sized Hunters you will see two winch platforms moulded in on each side. I have an '86 hunter 28.5 with aft winches, but I believe the 31's and 34's typicaly had the same set up, which, in my opinion makes it easy to steer and trim from the leward rail. I hope to be doing it tomorrow on the Chesapeake.
The position you indicate seems a little further aft than needed; check for a clean lead to the winch from the Genoa tracks. If you look at any of the older mid sized Hunters you will see two winch platforms moulded in on each side. I have an '86 hunter 28.5 with aft winches, but I believe the 31's and 34's typicaly had the same set up, which, in my opinion makes it easy to steer and trim from the leward rail. I hope to be doing it tomorrow on the Chesapeake.
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