We sail a Catalina 22 and are looking into moving up in size. I've noticed that the Catalina mainsheet arrangements in the 28-32' size range use mid-boom sheeting and cabin top traveler operated by a cabin top winch. This would mean leaving the helm to fiddle with a winch to ease out the main if conditions warranted. I'm used to having immediate mainsheet control, but there don't seem to be many makes in this size range that use end-boom sheeting with travelers near the helm (J-Boats do this, but they aren't very comfortable for cruising). Is this something I should worry about, or are the sailing characteristics of the larger boats such that it's not that big of a deal?
Mainsheet Considerations
- Thread starter Tony2945
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Mainsheet arrangements
Tony, The end of your last sentence hit the nail on the head. The reason they are like that is because larger boats (other than say 25s) don't need them. The added weight of the bigger boats makes dropping the mainsheet in a quick emergency less necessary, although always good to be able to do. We had a C22, a C25 for 11 years and a C34 for the past six. Good luck in your move up. Stu
Tony, The end of your last sentence hit the nail on the head. The reason they are like that is because larger boats (other than say 25s) don't need them. The added weight of the bigger boats makes dropping the mainsheet in a quick emergency less necessary, although always good to be able to do. We had a C22, a C25 for 11 years and a C34 for the past six. Good luck in your move up. Stu
Not that big a deal Tony,
On my 270 the mainsheet is "double ended" so 1 end goes thru clutch then winch and other is on top of cabin at traveller. You can use the winch (starboard) to haul in main only on a starboard tack because jib is on winch also so on a port tack both sheets want to use SB winch. I find that I rarely use winch on mainsheet, I pull on traveller end of mainsheet to trim in. Because of the mid-boom location I sometimes assist by pulling on boom towards the end with left hand & haul with right. You can also use traveller to position boom then take up on mainsheet as you re-center the car on traveller. Not a problem leaving the wheel for a minute, (you can still reach it) use auto-pilot, or wheel brake but most times the wheel should be fine unattended. Hope this makes sense, I sail alone a lot and you find you develop a bunch of different methods for doing common tasks to suit conditions.
On my 270 the mainsheet is "double ended" so 1 end goes thru clutch then winch and other is on top of cabin at traveller. You can use the winch (starboard) to haul in main only on a starboard tack because jib is on winch also so on a port tack both sheets want to use SB winch. I find that I rarely use winch on mainsheet, I pull on traveller end of mainsheet to trim in. Because of the mid-boom location I sometimes assist by pulling on boom towards the end with left hand & haul with right. You can also use traveller to position boom then take up on mainsheet as you re-center the car on traveller. Not a problem leaving the wheel for a minute, (you can still reach it) use auto-pilot, or wheel brake but most times the wheel should be fine unattended. Hope this makes sense, I sail alone a lot and you find you develop a bunch of different methods for doing common tasks to suit conditions.
We have never used a winch on the mainsheet
of either our C22 or C30. Between using the traveler and 4:1 purchase on the mainsheet itself, our control of the main is good even with higher winds.
of either our C22 or C30. Between using the traveler and 4:1 purchase on the mainsheet itself, our control of the main is good even with higher winds.
The mainsheet system is a problem on my c320
The mainsheet system on my C320 is a big pain. I traded up from a 30 foot Pearson with end boom sheeting led to a traveler in the cockpit. I cursed at it from a comfort standpoint but miss it now a great deal. It is impossible to haul in on the mainsheet in any kind of breeze and I am forced to use a winch which is really undersized for the task. There is no good way to cleat off the mainsheet once it't on the winch so you need to leave it there. Having to go forward from the steering position is also a drag, worse when you're sailing with others whom you have to pass on the way. Pulling the travel car to windward when close hauled is even worse, and even worse still with a dodger. You just can't get good access without standing on the companion way steps half above and half below the cockpit floor. We will be going to a new 6:1 purchase and a spinlock cleat in the hopes this provides a solution to the first problem. I don't think there is much that can be done for the second. If I were a bit more out of my mind than I think I am believe me I might try to move the whole thing to the book end. First I'd like to see how other 320 sailors do it. Eric
The mainsheet system on my C320 is a big pain. I traded up from a 30 foot Pearson with end boom sheeting led to a traveler in the cockpit. I cursed at it from a comfort standpoint but miss it now a great deal. It is impossible to haul in on the mainsheet in any kind of breeze and I am forced to use a winch which is really undersized for the task. There is no good way to cleat off the mainsheet once it't on the winch so you need to leave it there. Having to go forward from the steering position is also a drag, worse when you're sailing with others whom you have to pass on the way. Pulling the travel car to windward when close hauled is even worse, and even worse still with a dodger. You just can't get good access without standing on the companion way steps half above and half below the cockpit floor. We will be going to a new 6:1 purchase and a spinlock cleat in the hopes this provides a solution to the first problem. I don't think there is much that can be done for the second. If I were a bit more out of my mind than I think I am believe me I might try to move the whole thing to the book end. First I'd like to see how other 320 sailors do it. Eric
I miss end boom sheeting
I miss having the mainsheet traveler on the transom or in the cockpit. Back than I could adjust any sail without having to leave the helm. One of the few things I like about the new Hunters is the cockpit arch with the mainsheet traveler on it. Maybe we can get Catalina to build some for a price!? BOB
I miss having the mainsheet traveler on the transom or in the cockpit. Back than I could adjust any sail without having to leave the helm. One of the few things I like about the new Hunters is the cockpit arch with the mainsheet traveler on it. Maybe we can get Catalina to build some for a price!? BOB
Catalina for sale with mainsheet custom arch
see the link below, for an owner who added the radar/mainsheet arch like the newer Hunters. http://www.boats.com/common/frame.jsp?priorPage=%2Flisting%2Fboat_details.jsp%3Fsearchtype%3Dbuy%26showDL%3Dfalse%26searchid%3D1%26back%3Dsession%26showMD%3Dfalse%26entityid%3D12460601&frameUrl=www.yachtworld.com%2Fbreweryacht
see the link below, for an owner who added the radar/mainsheet arch like the newer Hunters. http://www.boats.com/common/frame.jsp?priorPage=%2Flisting%2Fboat_details.jsp%3Fsearchtype%3Dbuy%26showDL%3Dfalse%26searchid%3D1%26back%3Dsession%26showMD%3Dfalse%26entityid%3D12460601&frameUrl=www.yachtworld.com%2Fbreweryacht
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