winch direction

[Jeff K]

We bought our 26M at the end of the season this year(september) and only got to go out about 8 times. Both of my winches rotate clockwise. Our remotely located Macgregor dealer said that was normal. When I run the Genoa line on the starboard side it comes up from the block beside me up to the winch and wraps around it clockwise thus when the line comes back into the cockpit it crosses over the part of the line that is coming up from the block. This makes it difficult(almost impossible) to hook in the cleat. Shouldn't this winch run counterclockwise? Any info would be apreciated. Thanks Jeff.

 

[Jeff K]

Photographic answer

I guess if I had searched longer I would have found my answer. On the MacGregor26 website under hardware, the eighth picture down shows the jib sheet going clockwise around the starboard winch which works well for having the jib blocks forward. I still think it would work better to have it the mirror image-clockwise on the port side and counterclockwise on the starboard. The sheet does not cross over itself on the port side. Until I get motivated to find a counterclockwise winch I guess I will just have to tuck the tail end of the starboard sheet under itself whin I have the blocks to the rear for the full use of the Genoa. I hope someone enjoyed reading this.  I promise to brush my teeth and take a shower if it will get me more replies. Even an "I don't know" or "never thought of that is good", but everyone was courteous.Thanks Jeff K.

 

[Steve Paul]

Jeff, you want all the winches rotating in the same direction. When things whip up and you're in a hurry sails need brought in now. You don't want to stop and think lefty or righty? If you need to move the cleat do so. The Port side winch and cleat on my Mac 26S seemed to be the same way when I first started but it soon became not a bother. recommendation: go sailing instead.Have funSteve Paul

 

[ronbuckles]

I run it thru blocks on the jib fairleads.

On my Mac 19, I run the genoa sheet from the back of the boat up to a block I have mounted on the [standard] jib fairlead. The sheet then feed the winch in the normal way. The sheet does rub on the roof a bit, and I would not recommend it for heavy air.I hope this would work for the 26M.Ron

 

[Steve Paul]

Genoa track

Ron good choice. Fact is the Mac's are lightly rigged for cost concerns. For singlehanding and easier sailing all of us should have a genoa track on each side of the boat with adjustable block. Include a second winch near the middle of the cockpit for the genoa or jib and you're in business. This way the angles are better for proper sail shape and you can do this from your seat while holding the tiller or the wheel. Another great idea for sail shape is the Barber hauler for forestail trim. Google for this and it's a very cheap way to improve upwind performance.Steve

 

[Jeff K]

Thanks form Hobiecat sailer

Hey, thanks for the help. I have been on a few monohulls but did not pay attention to some of the finer points. My experience has been limited to 15 years on an 18 foot Hobie on Lake Michigan. The main travelor, jib sheets, and rotating mast all seem very familiar. No winches on my Hobie.