We just bought a 'new' 1989 Vision 32 a couple weeks ago. I am amazed how hard the main is to raise. I can't see any binding, and it douses quickly without apparent friction so think it must just be heavy. I am a relatively strong guy, but have only one right arm (due to an amputation) and it is really a challenge to get up. I am looking for a solution in the form of an electric winch. Does anyone have any suggestions or experiences with retrofitting electric winches on a Vision 32? I am looking for the best brand/fit/size winch to buy. Cost is not as much of an issue as is ease of installation and unobtrusive fit. I'm new to the forum, back to sailing after 13 years, and am having a ball. Thanks in advance for your help. Chuck
Main hard to hoist on Vision 32
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oversized halyard?
You may want to check the halyard size. I had this same problem on our Hunter 31. Went to a size smaller and volia no more binding. We have a Hunter Vision 36 and can raise the main without the winch. Only really need it to tension the main. It happens to have a Lewmar 44 electric winch. The problem is the power end of the winch, if you have the space to position the motor under the winch.
You may want to check the halyard size. I had this same problem on our Hunter 31. Went to a size smaller and volia no more binding. We have a Hunter Vision 36 and can raise the main without the winch. Only really need it to tension the main. It happens to have a Lewmar 44 electric winch. The problem is the power end of the winch, if you have the space to position the motor under the winch.
Great point. I will check the manual for the correct size and measure the diameter of the existing halyard to make sure it isn't the wrong size. Thanks. Chuck
Do NOT depend on the manual
Chuck: Do not depend on the manual for the correct diameter. When they sized these halyards they did not have every type/size line to compare to. When we had our problem I did exactly what you are doing. I actually called the factory. They specified 1/2" line for the main halyard. I replaced it with 1/2" Sta-set-x. The stuff worked for the season, but became almost impossible to raise (even with the winch) in the next season. My take on this was the line absorbed enough water during the winter to swell up to cause extreme friction. The new higher tech lines will allow smaller sizes that allow less stretch and higher breaking strength. Do a little home work before you replace the existing halyard. Good luck and let us know. PS: What do you think about the rig on the Vision? How does it sail compared to similar sized boats?
Chuck: Do not depend on the manual for the correct diameter. When they sized these halyards they did not have every type/size line to compare to. When we had our problem I did exactly what you are doing. I actually called the factory. They specified 1/2" line for the main halyard. I replaced it with 1/2" Sta-set-x. The stuff worked for the season, but became almost impossible to raise (even with the winch) in the next season. My take on this was the line absorbed enough water during the winter to swell up to cause extreme friction. The new higher tech lines will allow smaller sizes that allow less stretch and higher breaking strength. Do a little home work before you replace the existing halyard. Good luck and let us know. PS: What do you think about the rig on the Vision? How does it sail compared to similar sized boats?
v32 main hoisting
We to have a V32 And no power winch.On our boat we changed the batten slides But went to cheap did not go batt cars.The real promlem is from the mast to the winch.My wife can pull up the sail at the mast with no problem .But it remains a two person job.I have installed a jamb cleat on the mast but have yet to try raising single handed.We also changed the halyard to a thinner stronger type .I will suggest going to the Catalina site on this board some one made a power winch from a 1/2 right angle cordless drill and a special winch bit. Looking forward to answers to our problem. Good luck. Tom Cooper V32 Prologue 1
We to have a V32 And no power winch.On our boat we changed the batten slides But went to cheap did not go batt cars.The real promlem is from the mast to the winch.My wife can pull up the sail at the mast with no problem .But it remains a two person job.I have installed a jamb cleat on the mast but have yet to try raising single handed.We also changed the halyard to a thinner stronger type .I will suggest going to the Catalina site on this board some one made a power winch from a 1/2 right angle cordless drill and a special winch bit. Looking forward to answers to our problem. Good luck. Tom Cooper V32 Prologue 1
Agree with Steve Dion....
I would check the halyard first. If it is too big by just a fraction or is worn it will bind on the way up, not on the way down. Have changed mine in the past and can pull up by hand easily and only need winch to tension. In fact my 5'0" commander can hoist by hand.
I would check the halyard first. If it is too big by just a fraction or is worn it will bind on the way up, not on the way down. Have changed mine in the past and can pull up by hand easily and only need winch to tension. In fact my 5'0" commander can hoist by hand.
Ball bearig blocks
Plain bearing blocks are about 75% efficent on a 180° turn. A ball or roller block is about 96% efficent. Typical installation use three blocks to get the line back to the cockpit. I have also run into problem of haylards been crossed in the mast.
Plain bearing blocks are about 75% efficent on a 180° turn. A ball or roller block is about 96% efficent. Typical installation use three blocks to get the line back to the cockpit. I have also run into problem of haylards been crossed in the mast.
We have a 1990 Vision 32......
.....but it was manufactured the end of 1989, and without the electric winch, which became standard in 1990. Since there are always two of us on the boat, I go forward and raise the main at the mast, while my wife tails the halyard in the cockpit. Then I winch it the last 3-4" tight. Also, we use Sailkote dry lubricant on the cars and track each or every other time we sail. It makes a BIG difference. If you've priced electric winches, I'm sure you saw how expensive a retrofit would be. But, if you do add an electric winch, let me know and I'll make a deal with you on your "old" winch.
.....but it was manufactured the end of 1989, and without the electric winch, which became standard in 1990. Since there are always two of us on the boat, I go forward and raise the main at the mast, while my wife tails the halyard in the cockpit. Then I winch it the last 3-4" tight. Also, we use Sailkote dry lubricant on the cars and track each or every other time we sail. It makes a BIG difference. If you've priced electric winches, I'm sure you saw how expensive a retrofit would be. But, if you do add an electric winch, let me know and I'll make a deal with you on your "old" winch.
I think I'll try the halyard replacement first. Can anyone tell me the correct length to buy? Also, what brand and diameter would you recommend. I will also lube the blocks judiciously - thanks for that advice. Chuck
lube the track!
Chuck: I would suggest that you lube the track and the slugs. I doubt that lubing the sheaves is going to do very much. McLube is an excellent product for this purpose. I would also suggest that you have someone go up the stick and clean the track with a scotch brite pad. Clean and spray at on the same trip. Clean it on the way up and spray it on the way down! Be sure that all of the slugs are also cleaned and sprayed.
Chuck: I would suggest that you lube the track and the slugs. I doubt that lubing the sheaves is going to do very much. McLube is an excellent product for this purpose. I would also suggest that you have someone go up the stick and clean the track with a scotch brite pad. Clean and spray at on the same trip. Clean it on the way up and spray it on the way down! Be sure that all of the slugs are also cleaned and sprayed.
Blocks - Doug H
Doug, You are right about the friction in the blocks but most of the friction comes from bending the rope when it is under tension. I made a rig and tested the loss of power on multi-part tackles and was amazed at how much energy is wasted in just bending braided ropes. I have written an article on my work but it is too techie to be much use to anyone else.
Doug, You are right about the friction in the blocks but most of the friction comes from bending the rope when it is under tension. I made a rig and tested the loss of power on multi-part tackles and was amazed at how much energy is wasted in just bending braided ropes. I have written an article on my work but it is too techie to be much use to anyone else.
In the old days we used to...
go to the mast to raise the main. We used to reach up and grab the halyard and let our weight do the lifting. Nowdays with halyards inside the mast exiting at the bottom, gravity does not help. Make sure you loosen all reefing lines, the voom bang and the main sheet. Keep the sail track clean and lubricated and go to a smaller halyard (not weaker but better quality and thinner). It should be reasonable to have to use the winch for the last 10% and to tighten it. In your case an electric winch should be a real help. Yes them Visions have a heavy main.
go to the mast to raise the main. We used to reach up and grab the halyard and let our weight do the lifting. Nowdays with halyards inside the mast exiting at the bottom, gravity does not help. Make sure you loosen all reefing lines, the voom bang and the main sheet. Keep the sail track clean and lubricated and go to a smaller halyard (not weaker but better quality and thinner). It should be reasonable to have to use the winch for the last 10% and to tighten it. In your case an electric winch should be a real help. Yes them Visions have a heavy main.
Electric winch handle
may be a better alternative for you. A little pricey and a big amp draw but it's worth considering.
may be a better alternative for you. A little pricey and a big amp draw but it's worth considering.
Smaller low-stretch halyards
Thanks for the good information. I checked out the newer smaller no-stretch halyards. This will be first - I think the V-100 Vectran. It might be overkill, but it will let me go smaller diameter. I understand the drag based on going around corners. Does the type of line (sttiffness/flexibility/etc) impact that? I would assume only the type of bearing, and the degree of angle would change the efficiency, but would like your opinion. Also, at the winch, do you know how small a line I can go with before it quits self tailing or will be too small to catch in the rope clutch? I'll go out this weekend to check, but am hoping someone will know. I was targeting the 8mm which is 5/16". Lastly, if anyone has replaced their halyard and recall how many feet they bought I would love to be able to cross check my measurements - sort of the measure twice cut once kind of thing. Thanks again. Chuck
Thanks for the good information. I checked out the newer smaller no-stretch halyards. This will be first - I think the V-100 Vectran. It might be overkill, but it will let me go smaller diameter. I understand the drag based on going around corners. Does the type of line (sttiffness/flexibility/etc) impact that? I would assume only the type of bearing, and the degree of angle would change the efficiency, but would like your opinion. Also, at the winch, do you know how small a line I can go with before it quits self tailing or will be too small to catch in the rope clutch? I'll go out this weekend to check, but am hoping someone will know. I was targeting the 8mm which is 5/16". Lastly, if anyone has replaced their halyard and recall how many feet they bought I would love to be able to cross check my measurements - sort of the measure twice cut once kind of thing. Thanks again. Chuck
My V32 owners manual says 7/16 x115'
for the Main Halyard. I think I'd add another 5' or so. Post and let us know how the V-100 works out, the price and where you bought it.
for the Main Halyard. I think I'd add another 5' or so. Post and let us know how the V-100 works out, the price and where you bought it.
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