I have been told that "pumping" two speed winches is very bad for them. Anyone shed any light on this? Mine are Barient #22 winches.
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A
Alan
B
Bob
Pumping defined
"Pumping" a two speed winch is when you move the handle through a small arc, back and forth, rather than "grinding" in a circular motion. Therefore, you engage one speed on the "out" stroke, and the other speed on the "in" stroke. This is a good and valid technique when the force on the winch is hard enough to keep you from making a full circle with the winch handle. I also use this when single-handing as it is easier to pump the winch and steer at the same time. Because of the "jerkiness" of the motion, it is going to be harder on the equipment than a smooth, circular grind, especially on the ratchet pawls that engage / disengage the gears. Also, I would think the amount of wear and tear is also proportional to the force with which you reverse the stroke, and the amount of arc you apply between reversals (ie slower reversal, more arc = less wear) However, the two speed winches are built to take this and when used reasonably I don't see how it can dramatically affect the life of the winch. Of course, regular maintenance and greasing helps too, which is something a lot of sailors ignore... Interested to hear other opinions... Bob s/v Simple Dreams Chicago
"Pumping" a two speed winch is when you move the handle through a small arc, back and forth, rather than "grinding" in a circular motion. Therefore, you engage one speed on the "out" stroke, and the other speed on the "in" stroke. This is a good and valid technique when the force on the winch is hard enough to keep you from making a full circle with the winch handle. I also use this when single-handing as it is easier to pump the winch and steer at the same time. Because of the "jerkiness" of the motion, it is going to be harder on the equipment than a smooth, circular grind, especially on the ratchet pawls that engage / disengage the gears. Also, I would think the amount of wear and tear is also proportional to the force with which you reverse the stroke, and the amount of arc you apply between reversals (ie slower reversal, more arc = less wear) However, the two speed winches are built to take this and when used reasonably I don't see how it can dramatically affect the life of the winch. Of course, regular maintenance and greasing helps too, which is something a lot of sailors ignore... Interested to hear other opinions... Bob s/v Simple Dreams Chicago
E
Ed Allen
if its a problem,
mine should have been dead for years. this is common practice. if it did wear out a spring or pawl id do it anyway.
mine should have been dead for years. this is common practice. if it did wear out a spring or pawl id do it anyway.
J
Joe
A
Alan
I guess you all...
are not racers. Clean efficient tacks are key to doing well in any race and the procedure that you are talking about is highly inefficient for us. I can't see any reason that your winches shouldn't be able to handle the work, it simply won't work racing.
are not racers. Clean efficient tacks are key to doing well in any race and the procedure that you are talking about is highly inefficient for us. I can't see any reason that your winches shouldn't be able to handle the work, it simply won't work racing.
B
Bob
Wrong...
Yes, I AM a racer and I agree with you about the clean, efficient tacks. However, do you often tack without having to winch, at least a little bit? I doubt it. In my opinion, this technique is best used in two scenarios - one of which is racing. Let me describe the other one first... The first is when I'm cruising alone and have a limited range of motion as I have to worry about steering as well as trimming. I can pump the winch without letting go of the wheel. The racing scenario doesn't have anything to do with the capabilities of the winch, it has more to do with physical human limitations. It happens when the jib needs to be "just a bit tighter", according the skipper. Actually, it happens when the jib starts to get almost too tight. Your body cannot exert enough force to bring the handle over the top of the circle, but you can pull and push, so pumping in the only option. But hell, it's his jib....right? Strictly a fine-tuning motion in either case. Either way, it ain't gonna hurt the winch. Fair winds, Bob
Yes, I AM a racer and I agree with you about the clean, efficient tacks. However, do you often tack without having to winch, at least a little bit? I doubt it. In my opinion, this technique is best used in two scenarios - one of which is racing. Let me describe the other one first... The first is when I'm cruising alone and have a limited range of motion as I have to worry about steering as well as trimming. I can pump the winch without letting go of the wheel. The racing scenario doesn't have anything to do with the capabilities of the winch, it has more to do with physical human limitations. It happens when the jib needs to be "just a bit tighter", according the skipper. Actually, it happens when the jib starts to get almost too tight. Your body cannot exert enough force to bring the handle over the top of the circle, but you can pull and push, so pumping in the only option. But hell, it's his jib....right? Strictly a fine-tuning motion in either case. Either way, it ain't gonna hurt the winch. Fair winds, Bob
A
Alan
OK Bob
I understand what you are saying, but on my boat the skipper drives the bus, he doesn't trim sails, or adjust halyards, or anything else but "drive the bus". When you are racing, as helmsman, you have one job; the crew is there for the rest. If you are trimming, then you’re not driving. If your not driving then you are costing the entire team. It's very difficult, I agree, to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road and stay focused on your job, but it's only way to maximize control.
I understand what you are saying, but on my boat the skipper drives the bus, he doesn't trim sails, or adjust halyards, or anything else but "drive the bus". When you are racing, as helmsman, you have one job; the crew is there for the rest. If you are trimming, then you’re not driving. If your not driving then you are costing the entire team. It's very difficult, I agree, to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road and stay focused on your job, but it's only way to maximize control.
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