Spinnaker winches for H340 (stainless arch)

[DannyO]

I’m getting ready to add winches near the arch for a spinnaker. Wondering if anyone has done this before on a 340 with the stainless steel arch. Would love to see an example. For some reason this model didn’t include any pads for additional winches. Any hep or tips appreciated.

 

[jssailem]

Danny,
Do you need winches for this task?
On some 50' boats the spinnaker can pull on the sheet with a force such that handling sail becomes a problem.

You may want to try, a ratchet block to bend the line into the cockpit. This allows the line control needed for a 34ft boat to hold the sail yet release or trim the spinnaker as needed. If on a long reach/downwind and a steady breeze then the sheet can be secured to say a cleat or you can rig a cam cleat. It is a lot less expensive than installing a winch.

Additionally, since you will likely not be using the Genoa/Jib while you are flying the spinnaker, the primary winches are not in use. Should you need the winch to control the line you can run the sheet from the block to the either of the winches.

A ratchet block something like this.

You can attach it to a stern cleat or a stern stanchion base. I use my stern cleat attaching the block using a soft shackle when I fly my asymmetrical.

 

[DannyO]

Thanks so much for your reply. Yes, I have two ratchet blocks ready to go - I completely agree with what you said and the picture you included is exactly what I purchased.

My reason for the winches was because I frequently single hand and the only winches on the boat are the primaries on the cabin top. Adding some winches a little more aft would be more of a convenience thing. You might be right, though. Might be better to save the money. Thanks again.

 

[sail sfbay]

jssailem proposes a good plan, lower cost and does not add additional hardware in the cockpit..........that is what used (attached to a stanchion base) on my Hunter 386 to route spinnaker sheets to the winches on the cabin top.

 

[Joe]

Thanks so much for your reply. Yes, I have two ratchet blocks ready to go - I completely agree with what you said and the picture you included is exactly what I purchased.

My reason for the winches was because I frequently single hand and the only winches on the boat are the primaries on the cabin top. Adding some winches a little more aft would be more of a convenience thing. You might be right, though. Might be better to save the money. Thanks again.

In this case it might be wise to consider upgrading and relocation your primaries to a location closer to the helm. You can always use the cabin mounted winches if you need help with the spin sheets. What you'll find when working the spinnaker is that the trimmer will likely prefer a windward position (often standing ahead of the helm on the side deck) so the chute's luff can be observed.

On my 27 footer, I have a pair of small, single speed, standard Lewmar 7's aft of the primaries put there by a previous owner, theoretically, for spinnaker work. Even though that seems to be the obvious designed location for these secondaries, the real world use of the spinnaker has taught me that the trimmer is NOT going to sit back there, on the leeward, aft corner of the cockpit. No room, no visibility, and really no necessity to winch the sheets anyway.

What works best is to route the sheet up to a cabin top winch and reach across to the windward, forward side of the cockpit. Putting in new, closer to the helm, primaries will handle the heavier chores, freeing up those more forward winches for the cross-sheeting arrangement. The other crew can then tend the guys, mainsheet/traveler and other controls as needed, yet still be in position to help the spin trimmer. So, with that in mind, now might be the time to pull the trigger on some new bad ass winches that'll give your boat some real options for more efficient sail handling. Good Luck, Have Fun

 

[DannyO]

Thanks so much for your reply. Yes, I have two ratchet blocks ready to go - I completely agree with what you said and the picture you included is exactly what I purchased.

My reason for the winches was because I frequently single hand and the only winches on the boat are the primaries on the cabin top. Adding some winches a little more aft would be more of a convenience thing. You might be right, though. Might be better to save the money. Thanks again.

In this case it might be wise to consider upgrading and relocation your primaries to a location closer to the helm. You can always use the cabin mounted winches if you need help with the spin sheets. What you'll find when working the spinnaker is that the trimmer will likely prefer a windward position (often standing ahead of the helm on the side deck) so the chute's luff can be observed.

On my 27 footer, I have a pair of small, single speed, standard Lewmar 7's aft of the primaries put there by a previous owner, theoretically, for spinnaker work. Even though that seems to be the obvious designed location for these secondaries, the real world use of the spinnaker has taught me that the trimmer is NOT going to sit back there, on the leeward, aft corner of the cockpit. No room, no visibility, and really no necessity to winch the sheets anyway.

What works best is to route the sheet up to a cabin top winch and reach across to the windward, forward side of the cockpit. Putting in new, closer to the helm, primaries will handle the heavier chores, freeing up those more forward winches for the cross-sheeting arrangement. The other crew can then tend the guys, mainsheet/traveler and other controls as needed, yet still be in position to help the spin trimmer. So, with that in mind, now might be the time to pull the trigger on some new bad ass winches that'll give your boat some real options for more efficient sail handling. Good Luck, Have Fun

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the input.