I am taking delivery on a new 450 this fall and cannot decide whether I need the optional spinnaker winches to fly an assymetrical cruising spinnaker. I have heard of some people using their primary winches and no spinnaker winches. I will be doing no racing, cruising only. I would appreciate any feedback from other big boat owners who fly a chute and what would they have changed if anything for flying it. Please real experience and no theories would be the most help. Thanks in advance. Kevin
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Winches
Having worked with boats for years my advise is take them now with the new boat. Hunter have better pricing on winches than you do and it will be alot easier to put them on while the boat is being built rather than latter.
Having worked with boats for years my advise is take them now with the new boat. Hunter have better pricing on winches than you do and it will be alot easier to put them on while the boat is being built rather than latter.
Absolutely a get the cruising blocks and sheets
I own a P450 with the cruising blocks and sheets. We just purchased a used chute (luft is 67 ft with a 28 ft foot). We use the blocks and sheets. We also rigged a block for a down-haul. We used a U-bolt off the anchor housing. So far we are very happy with the arrangement. We can even run the sheet for the down-haul into the cock pit. The chute significantly enhances the boats down-wind capabilities.
I own a P450 with the cruising blocks and sheets. We just purchased a used chute (luft is 67 ft with a 28 ft foot). We use the blocks and sheets. We also rigged a block for a down-haul. We used a U-bolt off the anchor housing. So far we are very happy with the arrangement. We can even run the sheet for the down-haul into the cock pit. The chute significantly enhances the boats down-wind capabilities.
Get the option!
On our 450 we have the option. It can be done with out, but it is SO MUCH better. Get the spinaker - it will make down wind sailing faster and more fun.
On our 450 we have the option. It can be done with out, but it is SO MUCH better. Get the spinaker - it will make down wind sailing faster and more fun.
do it
We agonized over the same decision, Kevin, and ultimately decided to shell out the bucks for the two extra winches. All I can say is that if I had it to do over again, I'd do it over again. On long voyages, the helmsperson is often alone in the cockpit while the chute is up, and having the spin sheet close to the wheel is an important safety feature if there's a gust. Those winches are also handy when rigging outboard leads and preventers. h410 Buoyant
We agonized over the same decision, Kevin, and ultimately decided to shell out the bucks for the two extra winches. All I can say is that if I had it to do over again, I'd do it over again. On long voyages, the helmsperson is often alone in the cockpit while the chute is up, and having the spin sheet close to the wheel is an important safety feature if there's a gust. Those winches are also handy when rigging outboard leads and preventers. h410 Buoyant
I appreciate the input.
You guy's are right. Even though I could probably run the Spinnaker sheets to the primaries, you just can't beat the price from Hunter. I phoned in the order to add the winches and the blocks. Now all I need is a chute and the boat to put it on. Can't wait until October! Just in time for the Hurricanes. Good point about having the winches close to the helm. Thanks to everyone for the input! Kevin
You guy's are right. Even though I could probably run the Spinnaker sheets to the primaries, you just can't beat the price from Hunter. I phoned in the order to add the winches and the blocks. Now all I need is a chute and the boat to put it on. Can't wait until October! Just in time for the Hurricanes. Good point about having the winches close to the helm. Thanks to everyone for the input! Kevin
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