Where to find folding winch handles?

[RoyS]

Thanks Joe, but the other side has no room.

 

[jssailem]

technique relying on line stretch to help pull slack out (kind of like a spring)?

NO it relies on leverage.
I pull my sails up manually and only use a winch for the last 5-6 inches and trim. It helps to have a clean track, good sail slides, and serviced sheaves at the mast head.

I like to use a cleat instead of the winch. It is easier if your Halyards exit the mast above your head. That way you can stand up, get a grip of the halyard and use your weight to haul down on the halyard. When you are well above the spreaders you may need to leverage the sail to the top of the mast. Then the last couple of inches need a couple wraps around the winch and a snug with a small (8") handle. All of this is easier if the sail is not restricted in any way. You are head to the wind, the reefing lines are free, and the mainsheet is running free. Add and wind in the sail (not luffing) and the job gets 10 times more difficult.

 

[jssailem]

pocket mounted on the front of the mast for the handle.

Roy, as an alternate idea get a bag that you wrap around the mast base. You can close the bag maybe even zipper the bag closed. It can be used to hold the winch handle and any extra lines that you have at the mast.

 

[RoyS]

Hmmmm

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Roy, as an alternate idea get a bag that you wrap around the mast base. You can close the bag maybe even zipper the bag closed. It can be used to hole the winch handle and any extra lines that you have at the mast.

I picked up a bunch of "dinghy mast pouches" made by Robship to clean up loose lines. The mast is sooo much cleaner now. Defender has them on sale for $4. I'd recommend using zip ties instead of the way too short strap thats included