Sheets tangling/knotting on Winch

[Tom H]

My headsail sheets have a tendency to knot up/become overlapped as a crank the winch tighter. What might I be doing wrong??

 

[Ed]

the angle is wrong

Probably the sheet angle coming to the winch it to high or incorrect. It would allow the winch to over ride wraps and you tighten the sheet. the choices are to raise the winch, sometimes tilt the winch or the easier solution can be to move the blocks so the line comes to the winch and a slight upward angle. Im sure one of the sites on installing winches will have a diagram to help.

 

[Dan]

My Guess

You may have a problem with the way you coil your sheets. Most people add a kink to the line with each coil. If one coils a line from their palm to their elbow, they will add kinks everytime they stow the line. This leads to problems at the winches. Just a guess.

 

[Monty Miller]

Flexible sheets

What condition are your sheets in? Are they old, dirty and stiff? Do they slip on the drum? Time for replacement.What type of cordage are they? Single braid is a good choice because its flexible and easy on the hands. Double braid with a parallel cord is too stiff and will knot easily. Soft fuzzy sheets will have a better grip on the winch.A good practice is to hold the palm of your free hand against the wraps on the front of the drum as you tighten on the winch. This will help align the sheets and prevent wrapping. Hope this helps.