Do I need a winch

[Buzzlovelace]

I have an old Cat 27 and it has no winch for the Jib sail. The problem is when I pull up the jib I run out of line and it changes to steel cable, I end up wrapping the cable around the cleat to hold the sail in place I am thinking a jib winch on the mast could be the simple solution. Basically to wrap the cable around, so I can tie the line to the cleat. Is there a less expensive way to solve this. Can any of you recomend a cheap winch that will do the job, as it would basically be serving as a drum

Thanks
Buzz

 

[Stu Jackson]

Most folks have removed the wire/rope halyards and gone to all rope halyards. Given the age of your boat, I'd recommend carefully checking the condition of the wire. Many have led their halyards back to the cockpit, too. It's safer, especially with hank on jibs. Add a downhaul to the jib for dousing it at the end of the day. Sail on port tack, heave to, and the jib will fold itself when it comes down on deck. Check out the [corrected] link to the C27 Association website that I posted in reply to your other question, they have lots of tips.