My wife and I sailed the Pearson 30 for 11 yr, cruising and racing, without ST winches; 155% Genoa. With her helming I could haul and then trim the genny myself just fine. Yes. Left hand pulling on the tail, right arm and hand cranking. This after a well-timed and executed tack where most of the sheet was in before needing to crank. If it got a little too hard or slow, feather up briefly to luff the genny, then resume. She knew when to do that.
The ST winches on the 38’ we have now are essential equipment in my view, however. Which is why I think they are in place when those boats are first sold.
I echo those above. Buy new sails first and/or install an autopilot. Next, upgrade your ground tackle. Probably needs it (if you’re planning on cruising). Exchange your old batteries for true deep cycles (two 6v golf cart types wired in series). You might need a bottom job, etc. Many other things, likely.
Service your primary winches. If not pretty/shiny enough, get them re-chromed. I did that with mine for a couple hundred bucks (back then).
The ST winches on the 38’ we have now are essential equipment in my view, however. Which is why I think they are in place when those boats are first sold.
I echo those above. Buy new sails first and/or install an autopilot. Next, upgrade your ground tackle. Probably needs it (if you’re planning on cruising). Exchange your old batteries for true deep cycles (two 6v golf cart types wired in series). You might need a bottom job, etc. Many other things, likely.
Service your primary winches. If not pretty/shiny enough, get them re-chromed. I did that with mine for a couple hundred bucks (back then).
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