Sheet handling for the disabled

[vt_sailor]

Hello! We're looking at purchasing a 2005 Hunter 33. It looks like a good boat and has steps my wife can negotiate. However, due to an auto accident she can't stand for very long and the main sheet runs to a winch on the cabin top. I figure I can increase the purchase of the sheet by putting additional blocks between the boom and the arch top traveler but it would be really great if I could lead the sheet to one side of the arch. I'd appreciate any thoughts on how this might be accomplished. Ideally, we'd be able to handle the main sheet, jib sheet, traveler and wheel all sitting down.

Thanks!

Ray

 

[Johnb]

One thing that could make a big difference is to go to a self tailing winch(s) if it is not already. That way you have "one hand for yourself and one for the boat", or you can apply two hands to cranking.

A buddy who has had two shoulder surgeries went to electric winches but they were expensive and a bear to install. He gave me one of his jib sheet winches which I now use for the main sheet.

 

[Stu Jackson]

You may be pleasantly surprised at how LITTLE a mainsheet needs to work, especially if you have a good traveler. I find it tons more work to play the mainsheet instead of the traveler, plus the sheet changes the sail shape where the traveler doesn't. I'm not sure what "standing for too long" has to do with it either, since trimming the sheet can be done, and then, sit back down.

I do a lot of singlehanded sailing, and usually set the mainsheet for going upwind, which is usually the start of our day, and then just play the traveler, or head up a bit in gusts, instead of playing the mainsheet. Once we head back down, I drop the traveler and only then let out the sheet. Of course, racing is a tad different.

I've had this discussion with some of our C34 folks who hadn't considered this approach, since they were so used to using the mainsheet first from smaller boats (me, too!). Try it before you spend too much time on moving the mainsheet.

As a singlehander, I also have gotten out from behind the wheel.

Good luck.

 

[Les]

I don't know if you would add "old" to the "disable" part of your request however, I use the WinchRite battery assist on my winches including: furling out and in on the main, the jib and the two jib sheet winches. I have a heart problem and the WinchRite allows me to sail in my late seventies.

You can get the WinchRite from this web site. It is a well designed battery device for the winches.

 

[AtlanticAl]

I am not trying to be funny, but anything you are trying to do has already been done, i dont know the full story behind it, but quadra plegic sailors have taken part in the olympics, and sailed their boat, by controling all the sails with a controller in their mouths, and one quadra plegic sailed circum navigated the uk, controling the boat with her mouth, she sailed alone, but, she had a huge team to dock the boat, look after her, then set her off to the next port, If they can do that, then you will probably find that with a few tiny modifications, you can both control that boat.

 

[Bill Roosa]

I'd dito Stu's obaervations.
I would NOT try adding blocks between the boom and cabin top to increase the purchass. This could overload the boom and it will not really imporve the access. You should be able to crank the winch with the current purchass. If there is a lot of drag that would be an indication of a block being broken/frozen somewhere.
Had a issue with the effort required to hoist the main and found that two of the deck organizer blocks had gone bad and froze. Made a huge differance when I replaced them.

 

[Jake N Eggs]

The main sheet control is a bit of a pain. The newer boats, including the 36 has a double ended sheet with one end lead to the arch. It would require some modification to the arch but it could be an option. It has been discussed in the forum within the last couple of months. Maybe you could do a search.

Another option for your situation would be to use a block system between the arch and the starboard cabin top winch. It could use the free end of the main sheet, be easily set up and I am sure that it could be controlled while sitting.

I may be a little biased but I highly recommend the boat.

 

[vt_sailor]

Thank you everyone for the ideas. The real problem we have is the location of the winch, she can't stand very well so my thought was relocating the sheet to the side of the arch and not to use the winch at all. I'll have to explore the idea of the continuous loop, that's not something I'd thought of.

 

[harv]

Boat designers today do not design their boats today to be singlehanded.
The ideal boat would have:
-a standard Edson type pedistal so that you can stand in front of the pedistal and handle the wheel and reach the sheets.
-travelor in the cockpit forward of the wheel with the mainsheet block. Alternative- midsheet traveler with extra blocks and the mainsheet leading into the cockpit.
-self tailing jib winches on the cockpit coaming, not the cabin top.
-Add an autopilot and perhaps an addon mainsail track to make an easier mainsail haulup.
-Use winch assists, but you have to be able to handle the boat without it.
-You might also look into an improved wheel seat for your wife that might allow her to sit, see and steer
-a way for your wife to brace herself in the cockpit to avoid the tendency to slip off the seat when the boat heels.
-anchor handling equipment.
The major problem in any boat to be accessible is the cabin ladder design and handgrips, which maybe more important than anything else. You will need a series of handgrips in the cabin also.
Good sailing!


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[IanJ]

I recommend the WinchRite electric winch, as I am disabled myself. This takes out any effort in trimming sheets or pulling up sails. There is a rubber gizmo that I think you can get from WM that fits on the top of any winch, and turns it into a self tailing one. Brilliant as a new winch will get very costly. These rings are about $25. I can look up the manufacturer and take a picture if you like. I use it on the main halyard winch, along with the electric handle, and have my other hand free