Relocating Jib Winches

[foolproof]

I am wanting to move my jib winches aft about 4 feet to better accommodate single handed sailing. I'm wondering if the structure is beefy enough back there to support the load. I have seen several C30's in my area that have winches where I want to put them, but they are much smaller than my big winches, and are being used for furlers and reef systems, not big Genny loads.

My boat is a 1976, and had Edson steering added at some point in its life. The wheel is mounted almost exactly in the center of the cockpit, which makes seating hard to find for guests. If they sit forward, I have to move them every time I tack. If they sit aft, they get to stare at my backside all day (not an enviable position, to be sure!). I figure that by moving the winches aft, I can kill two birds with one stone, so to speak.

Any thoughts?

 

[Nahart51]

I have #65 with the same setup. A PO installed cleats aft of the wheel. I can still use the winches where they are, but cleat the sheets while behind the wheel. It's not perfect, but works ok.while soloing, I can actually unwrap the sheet from one cleat and sort of lasso the other cleat during a tack. Or i ask a guest to help, if i have one. Of course this is less than heavy weather.

 

[foolproof]

With the setup you described, how do you winch the jib without climbing over the wheel? I could see how it would work OK in light winds, but we generally have 10-20 winds where I sail, and it might be tough to get it pulled in really tight without luffing up. I really want to have winches far enough aft to be able to get at them without having to go around the wheel.

 

[Nahart51]

I rarely have to use the winch handle. In heavy winds I will go traditional and have the admiral take the wheel. Or I will have a guest winch while I tail from behind the wheel. Depends on who's on board. I won't solo in heavy winds. I don't know if you can tell from my avatar, I took that pic from the spreaders. You can see the extra set of cleats between the winches and stern cleats.

 

[Piratenorm]

I added additional vertical bracing between the aft corner brace and lifeline gate on the pushpit of my Mk 1 to add additional support for my davits, outboard engine mount and BBQ and found the decking back in that area to be seriously thick. And thought about relocating my jib winches aft to aid me in single-handing, but haven't done so yet. I think as long as you have large enough washers as backing plates the move should be fine. Send pics if you go this route. Good luck.

 

[bnewt]

I too would love to move my jib winches aft to single hand. I have an '86 Catalina 30 and find it difficult to manage the activity in the cockpit with novice guests. I am also worried that if the load would be too severe for that location. Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[hvbaker]

I don't think the load would be a problem. A similar load is on the foot turning blocks and they are secured with 4 1/4 inch bolts. If you are worried get a backing plate. I have an asymmetrical spinnaker which I run to a turning block at the stern which is connected to a pad eye secured with 3 1/4,inch bolts with no problems. Fiber reinforced plastic is very strong stuff. The issue will be line angle of the line coming to the winch. Good luck.

 

[dj2210]

If I ever get some extra cash to buy 2 more ST40's I will do this on my 1990 C30. My Morgan 34 had this and it was very nice to be behind the wheel and with in reach of the primaries especially if the weather is blustery while alone and also when the cockpit is full of non sailors..

 

[Stu Jackson]

Consider "Stop Being a Slave Behind the Wheel."

If you run your boat from in front of the wheel, the winches are in exactly the right place.