H280 Winches

[Tally Ho]

I have a '96 H-280 and it only has winches on the cabn roof. It appears that there is a provision for cockpit winches (round flat spots on the coaming).

What size winches were optional for the cockpit on the H280?

Anyone know where I can find a pair of cheap st winches?

 

[Clark]

Winches should be sized based on the sail area being handled. My owners manual shows a short, optional track at the front edge of the coaming that I presume would be for bringing the existing 110 back to cockpit winches or for a larger genoa (not advised) or possibly for a spinnaker. I fly an asymmetric and route the sheets to blocks on the stern rail and forward to the cabin winches. I would certainly prefer to have cockpit winches but for my use, the added expense is not worth it. I can't tell where your main sheet is installed (some 280's had it at the pedestal); so it is possible with winches on the coaming, you could control things from behind the wheel. If I were going to add winches for an asymmetrical spinnaker there, I'd use 16's.

I tried some searches a few years ago for decent used self-tailers but didn't have any luck. Try Googling and see what you can find.

 

[Ken13559]

Lewmar ST-16 should be good enough for H280 coaming at cockpit. Its single speed self-tailer. Both friend's H280s has it. I've got that on mine as well. I've larger aspin then the ones on H280 and the ST16 works just fine.

 

[Tally Ho]

I can't tell where your main sheet is installed (some 280's had it at the pedestal); so it is possible with winches on the coaming, you could control things from behind the wheel. If I were going to add winches for an asymmetrical spinnaker there, I'd use 16's.

I have the traveller on the cabin roof, so adjusting everything means going around the wheel. I was considering cockpit winches to at least handle the headsail. Seems like way too many lines on the 2 cabin-top winches.

But cost is also a factor....I was hoping to find lots of used winches after hurricanes, tornados, etc, etc....

Thanks for the info.

 

[Clark]

Yea,
Our arrangement (mine is the same) makes it almost impossible to single hand w/o a wheel lock or autopilot. I just get the Admiral to grab the wheel while I make adjustments. FWIW, I rarely adjust the main sheet. I usually set it for the general conditions and adjust the traveler as needed. That way, I only need the winches for the jib sheets.

 

[Tally Ho]

Yea,
FWIW, I rarely adjust the main sheet. I usually set it for the general conditions and adjust the traveler as needed. That way, I only need the winches for the jib sheets.

I will have to try that. But I have a dodger on mine, and I cannot use the traveller unless I take the dodger down. The control line is a "loop". Is that the way yours is set up? I think I will remove it now that the weather is getting better.

I took my boat out today, for my first solo sail. I did use the wheel lock to hold the course steady while I made adjustments. My autopilot also has a Wind Vane setting, which works pretty good for holding course to the wind. It makes some erratic movements sometimes though, so I prefer to just lock the wheel...especially if I have to go up on the deck.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Clark]

Ah, I see your complication. We don't have a dodger and my traveler line is split - one for Port and the other Starboard. Sounds like with your wheel lock and Auto, you have about everything you need.

BTW, I'd love to add a lock; can you possibly make a couple of pictures showing where it is mounted; how large an access hole; etc.? It would be most appreciated.

Thanks,
Clark

 

[Tally Ho]

BTW, I'd love to add a lock; can you possibly make a couple of pictures showing where it is mounted; how large an access hole; etc.? It would be most appreciated.

Thanks,
Clark

The wheel lock is part of the AutoHelm Wheel motor arrangement. I will take a photo when I get back out to the marina, but the small lever on the wheel drive unit in the diagram locks the wheel (at least I hope that is what it is for...it seems to work).