Hunter 310 Asymmetrical Spinnaker

[Gardnera]

I have a 1998 Hunter 310 with a fiberglass arch. I want to purchase and install an asymmetrical spinnaker, however I do not have any winches located in the aft portion of the cockpit. There are fiberglass molded spaces for two winches just abeam the pilot wheel and aft of the arch. I purchased two winches to install but realized that the bar that supports the Bimini is blocking the 11" winch handle. Do they make shorter handle winch handles? If the are any Hunter 310 owners that have a spinnaker and aft winches I have a few questions:
1. When I mount the winches do I need to add additional support (wood or aluminum plate) between the winch and fiberglass or on the bottom between the fiberglass and the nuts of the bolts?
2. If you have a symmetrical or asymmetrical spinnaker on your Hunter 310 how did you rig it with the fractional rig? Does the spinnaker go all the way to the top of the mast? Where do you run the lines aft? Any suggestions? I have never had any type of spinnaker so any advice for one on a 310 will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Alan
Bay Gypsy

 

[Joe]

You don't have to have aft mounted winches to enjoy an asymmetrical spinnaker.... mount a turning block in a convenient place as far back as you can.. you can even screw a couple of padeyes into the areas to clip the blocks to... run the sheet through the aft blocks then back up to your primary or halyard winches. You should look up "twing" these inexpensive devices are easily made and fit on each sheet then connect to a small, handy cleat near the cockpit.. it allows you to control the clew's height and stabilize it... like your jib leads. Also search for the term "adjustable tack line" this is another feature of asymmetrical spinnakers. By controlling the height of the sail's tack point you can adjust it's fullness.

 

[JohnVTX]

I have PM'd you

 

[Gardnera]

Thanks for the advice. I am actually mounting the winches in the cockpit for my jib so thatIcan reach them whenI am sailing singlehanded.
Alan

 

[David in Sandusky]

I agree with mounting your winches where they are easy to reach while single handing. With a tiller I have no problem with winches on the cabin roof holding the tiller between my legs.

But the real solution for single handing is an auto-pilot. That frees you for all chores, including the head!

 

[Gardnera]

I have an auto pilot but above 12 to 15 knots it just does not hold, to much weather helm.

 

[Joe]

I have an auto pilot but above 12 to 15 knots it just does not hold, to much weather helm.

You must balance your sail plan (adjust trim) for any AP to work efficiently. Next time the breeze kicks up flatten that main, if you're still overpowered, it's time to reef.

BTW I've never seen an 11" winch handle.... all I've ever seen are 8" or 10"... not saying they don't make 'em... just never seen one.

 

[Gardnera]

Thanks for the advice, I seldom reef but I know it is the logical thing to do. I looked on Amazon and did not see a winch handle greater 10". I measured the entire length, perhaps they are not including the portion that fits into the winch. I ordered an 8" handle which should work.
Alan