Electric Main Halyard Winch

[bobcat30]

Just curious if anyone has converted the winch for the main halyard to electric?
I want to do this without spending a fortune. The halyard is hard to raise once it is about 3/4 up. (Especially for my first mate - My wife).
I heard that someone used a 3/8 cordless drill with a right angle bit and a winch bit in that.
THanks, BobCat30

 

[wise4]

On a Catalina 30?
Might want to just fix the problem making it tough to raise the main.... Lube the track, check the slugs, replace the sheaves with bearing style etc... Of course.... You could also raise it yourself....

 

[rbmcintire]

Just to add what wise4 said, there's quite a bit of friction between all the sheaves, blocks and organizers. Add to that an old hard and crusty Sta-Set halyard and you can have a lot on your hands. How's the condition of that halyard? I just mention this because we have the same issue and it's the next step we're taking on ours.

Rob

 

[foolproof]

Do you use a winch to raise your sail? Mine is led aft and incorporates a winch, which makes it much easier to raise those last few feet.

I also spray the cars with silicone several times during the season, which basically eliminates friction both up and down.

 

[Coriolisbc]

I had the same problem, spraying the cars helped a lot, now the main goes right up.

 

[jrowan]

Did y'all use that Sailkote spray to lube the slugs & track?
I need to lube my mine as well, I'm just wary of any spray getting
on my mainsail & causing oil or grease stains.

 

[Coriolisbc]

I used WD40 first, because I was out and had nothing else, and now I use McLube, it's a dry spray and does not leave any residue, I also lubed the traveler.
BTW, another old salt when she was onboard marked my halyard line with a sharpie so I can tell when the sail is at the reef point, and fully up.