Installing rear winches on 320

[Stuart Gordon]

I am interested in purchasing a 320. I singlehand and like to be closer to the jib sheets. Can rear winches be installed? If so, how can you get a fairlead around the arch to the rear winch. Any advice on this subject would be appreciated.

 

[Wally Boggus]

I too....

single hand most of the time and will find a way to route jib sheets aft. The 320 provides mounting locations for spinnaker winches near the helm which should work for the jib sheets as well with a couple strategically placed fairleads and or turning blocks.

 

[Bruce Grant]

So Far........

I single hand a lot, so far I have not found it too difficult to go forward to adjust the jib.The big difference with the large main/small jib setup is that the jib comes across a lot quicker than if you had a 150 Geneoa, so you are not away from the wheel for an extended time.I have also found that I can get the jib across and sheeted in before the jib fills. Then once I have the main set and the boat heading in the direction I want I will go back and adjust the jib (if it needs it).So overall I have found that I don't need to have the winches back at the helm.When I was looking at the boat, I felt that having the winches back at the helm was a must have (it was what I was used to), but now I won't waste the time or money trying to get the sheets back to the helm, I just don't feel it is necessary.Regards.BruceNeon Moon