I am looking at purchasing a 1994 C270 and am interested in suggetions for singlehanding since the jib sheet winches are located on the cabin topsides rather than near the steering station. Can the 270 be easily modified for singlehanding without installing new winches or moving the original ones? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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C270 Singlehanding
Carter The location of the jib sheet winches is not really an issue. Wherever they are located, you'll need to essentially be in two places at once whenever you tack, anyway. The three most important issues for singlehanding are: steering - bite the bullet and get an autopilot. Just about everyone who has one says "Gee, why didn't I do THAT sooner!" jib downhaul - if you don't have roller furling, make sure you can get your jib down by using a downhaul led to the cockpit, along with all the other lines (halyards, reefing, vang, etc.) led back (see Royce's Sailing Handbook for directions on how to do this very easy task) Jacklines and harness - to keep YOU and the boat together Good luck and have fun
Carter The location of the jib sheet winches is not really an issue. Wherever they are located, you'll need to essentially be in two places at once whenever you tack, anyway. The three most important issues for singlehanding are: steering - bite the bullet and get an autopilot. Just about everyone who has one says "Gee, why didn't I do THAT sooner!" jib downhaul - if you don't have roller furling, make sure you can get your jib down by using a downhaul led to the cockpit, along with all the other lines (halyards, reefing, vang, etc.) led back (see Royce's Sailing Handbook for directions on how to do this very easy task) Jacklines and harness - to keep YOU and the boat together Good luck and have fun
Jib Sheets
I have a Catalina 27 which I single hand extensively. In the conditions I normally sail in (wind 10-15 kts) a winch is not necessary. I also have wheel steering so I bring the jib sheets back aft and manually tighten them to the aft mooring cleat. If they need to be real tight I head into the wind momentaryly and retighten.
I have a Catalina 27 which I single hand extensively. In the conditions I normally sail in (wind 10-15 kts) a winch is not necessary. I also have wheel steering so I bring the jib sheets back aft and manually tighten them to the aft mooring cleat. If they need to be real tight I head into the wind momentaryly and retighten.
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