Read the Funny ManualBut if the grooves "do NOTHING," as Stu says, what are they for and why did he use this product successfully? And what did he do with the sheets, if he didn't cleat them or tie them off on anything?
And what do "RTFM" and "IIRC" mean? Pardon my ignorance
If I Recall Correctly
Sheets? I wrapped the sheet around the winch twice for rough sheeting, one or two more times for fine sheeting and loading up the drum and then just left them there, no cleats on my coamings. All I can say is they worked for me for a long time.
The grooves are there because the way they are made: that area is simply exactly where they slip over the top "ring" of the winch.
Why they chose to make it look like something to tuck the sheet into I don't know.
And I respect Joe and his input on this forum.
Like everything else in boats (except safety stuff), there are compromises. These Winchers are nowhere near as good as self tailing winches, but used properly they perform essentially, not ALL, of the same service for the budget minded. Joe & I simply agree to disagree on it, and remain friends.
Earendil, I suggest you do a Google search on Winchers, and read away, because this subject has been discussed in great detail many, many times before. There is no right answer.
Your boat, your choice.