When trying to single-hand my H25 ('77), I notice that I am having a great deal of difficulty tacking the genoa (150). To sheet it in I have to use both hands since the winches I have are not self-tailing, and while I am doing this my tiller goes awry. Couple of questions; 1 - would a self tailing winch help a lot or a little, and has anyone tried "winchers" as a make-shit solution for making a non self-tailing winch self-tailing? 2- my jib/genoa sheets tie off to a dock cleat, and it takes a few seconds to wrap then in .. would a jam cleat be better (Iknow it would be faster), or are they not strong enough when the sheets are loaded? Any advice would help, cause a lot of the time I sail with non-sailors and I really need to handle most tasks on my own. Thanks in advance.
single-handing an h25, need winch advice
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Self Tailing Winches
I had a '79 Hunter 25 for about five years and I'm trying to remember if I had this problem. I did use shock cords and a tiller extension for some control of the tiller and had no self tailing winches. I think you need to work on your timing and technique for 'slow tacking' so you can get the Genoa across and sheeted in before it fills completely and needs a winch. Let the main self tack by having the traveler centered, then fine tune when you can. Having sailed with self tailing winches on a 28.5 for 21 seasons , I'd highly recommend them. I wouldn't bother with the rubber 'winchers' but admittedly, a pair of decent sized self tailing winches would be an expensive solution. Invite friends to go sailing so you have a t least one additional pair of hands.
I had a '79 Hunter 25 for about five years and I'm trying to remember if I had this problem. I did use shock cords and a tiller extension for some control of the tiller and had no self tailing winches. I think you need to work on your timing and technique for 'slow tacking' so you can get the Genoa across and sheeted in before it fills completely and needs a winch. Let the main self tack by having the traveler centered, then fine tune when you can. Having sailed with self tailing winches on a 28.5 for 21 seasons , I'd highly recommend them. I wouldn't bother with the rubber 'winchers' but admittedly, a pair of decent sized self tailing winches would be an expensive solution. Invite friends to go sailing so you have a t least one additional pair of hands.
Cam-cleats
On my 23, I use cam cleats, with no fairlead. My sheets run down the side of the deck and make a 90 degree turn around the winch, and come across parallel with the beam. The cam cleats make single handing much easier, though the release under load isn't perfect a hard jerk upwards always pops them out.
On my 23, I use cam cleats, with no fairlead. My sheets run down the side of the deck and make a 90 degree turn around the winch, and come across parallel with the beam. The cam cleats make single handing much easier, though the release under load isn't perfect a hard jerk upwards always pops them out.
First off.....
...winches are not used while you are tacking, they are used after you make your tack. George's suggestion is your best option. As the working sheet is quickly pulled in when the genny comes around the the line clutch will hold the sheet giving you time to set up with the winch. After adjusting the sheet the clutch holds it making self tailing unnecessary.
...winches are not used while you are tacking, they are used after you make your tack. George's suggestion is your best option. As the working sheet is quickly pulled in when the genny comes around the the line clutch will hold the sheet giving you time to set up with the winch. After adjusting the sheet the clutch holds it making self tailing unnecessary.
I have the same problem
What I do is pull in the jib sheet tight as I tack through the wind. I can pull the sheet in pretty tight as the sail luffs. Then I ease the sheet out until I am properly trimmed then put the sheet in a jam cleat. I replaced the stock cleats with the jam cleats. Its very difficult to use a winch handle on the winch and steer at the same time. Brian
What I do is pull in the jib sheet tight as I tack through the wind. I can pull the sheet in pretty tight as the sail luffs. Then I ease the sheet out until I am properly trimmed then put the sheet in a jam cleat. I replaced the stock cleats with the jam cleats. Its very difficult to use a winch handle on the winch and steer at the same time. Brian
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