Main Sheet

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Aug 2, 2004
1
Hunter 28 Edmonds, WA
Hunter28's and 30's, and possibly more models, have the main sheet controlled by the halyard winch, and brakes mounted on the coachroof just on the cockpit side of the dodger. This is difficult to release by a single hander when in a good breeze and a strong gust comes up. Thered isn't time to set the wheel brake, or set the auto-pilot and then go forward to release the brake on the sheet. I'm contemplating mounting a jam cleat just to the starboard side of the winch so I can run the sheet aft to the wheel when single handing, and let the main run with a simple jerk upward from the wheel position. If anyone has done this with good or bad results, or can recommend a particular cleat or a better course of action it would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 

Alan

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Jun 2, 2004
4,174
Hunter 35.5 LI, NY
Replaced mine......

....and don't need a winch at all. I designed a course/fine mainsheet with 5:1 and 10:1 ratios. the mainsheet comes off the blocks and drops straight into a sheet bag in the compaionway. No need to go forward on the boom and back long the coachroof to the winch. Works great (and its much faster)!!!
 
Jun 4, 2004
834
Hunter 340 Forked River, NJ
We use jam cleats

We have a jam cleat on the aft edge of the coach roof just to the starboard side of the winch, as you suggest. We leave the line brake open and use the jam cleat to secure and adjust the main sheet from the wheel position. We used a Ronstan carbon fiber C-Cleats with one of their fast track fairleads (see West Marine)and are pleased with the ease of use. 1980 Hunter 30, "Treasure".
 
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