Jib Winch placement for single handing C36?

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thahn
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Jib Winch placement for single handing C36?

Hi there - I am new to the forum and have really appreciated the information I have gleaned over the past few months during some restoration work I have been doing on a new-to-me 1983 C36.

I do have an auto-pilot, but still find moving back and forth from behind the helm in order to release jib sheets during tacking and jibing to be a lot of work.

Has anyone ever moved their winches further aft - similar to the setup on a Catalina 310 - to make jib trimming easier when sailing solo?

Alternatively, I am considering installing a second set of winches - maybe Lewmar 40s or 43s - back roughly where some folks mount spinnaker winches. I figure I can use them in all but the heaviest winds.

A final - and less costly - alternative would be to put a couple of simple "clam cleats" back there and just loop the jib sheets once around the main winches and then hold/release them on the clam cleats. Since most sheeting can be done while the sail is crossing the bow on a tack, this might work fine. I could then step forward to crank in further if I really needed to.

Any one have any thoughts?

Tom Hahn
1983 C36 Mk1
Hull # 166
Kerr Lake, NC

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Chachere
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Posts: 826

[QUOTE=thahn;22237]
Has anyone ever moved their winches further aft - similar to the setup on a Catalina 310 - to make jib trimming easier when sailing solo?
[/QUOTE]
Go to the upgrades section in the main website. One of the articles you'll find there is "Tom Soko's Upgrades to Julandra" ( [url]http://www.c36ia.com/node/263[/url]), which has a link to a site with photos of his many upgrades to his former boat, including exactly that which you ask about. (I think they're photos # 90 and 91).

Indeed, Soko's site contains many generally well thought out collection of useful upgrades; at this point I've no doubt replicated probably about half of them already (I've joked with Soko that if he's ever aboard [I]Que Chévere[/I], he'll surely experience sensations of deja vu).

Matthew Chachère
s/v ¡Que Chévere!
(Formerly 1985 C36 MKI #466 tall rig fin keel M25)
2006 Catalina Morgan 440 #30.
Homeported in eastern Long Island, NY

thahn
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Joined: 11/30/13
Posts: 6

Wow - that is great - I just looked at what he did - I was wondering how to handle the holes and likely "wear" that would be left over if I moved the winches and I really like his teak idea to cover that up.

I think I will pursue that route rather than spend $1,000+ on new winches.

He has a great site with some good info there - I have looked extensively at Maine Sail's stuff as well - all very helpful.

So far I have cleaned/brightened/oiled all interior teak, replaced all lights with LEDs, upgraded the head to an electric Raritan marine elegance, replaced the fresh water pressure pump, added a pair of bow cleats, replaced the anchor rode and line, and probably two or three other things I am not remembering :).

I am going to be spending some quality time on the engine (new alt bracket, new wiring upgrade, new alternator) and electrical system this weekend...

Tom Hahn
1983 C36 Mk1
Hull # 166
Kerr Lake, NC

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stu jackson c34
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Posts: 1270

Tom, there's another option. "Don't become a slave behind the wheel." You said you still are behind the wheel when sailing on your ap. I spend so little time behind the wheel, and I singlehand a lot, that the wheel is starting to call me "stranger." I know, stranger than what?!?

I have never felt the need to move my winches.

If your ap is behind the wheel, one of our skippers had one mounted there and never installed his remote, he just reached back since it took a few days to be able to find the buttons by feel.

Your boat, your choice.

Stu Jackson, C34IA Secretary, C34 #224, 1986, SR/FK, M25 engine, Rocna 10 (22#)

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Nimue
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Posts: 429

I added Lewmar 40s over the cubby holes in the cockpit. On my boat they are used for the mainsheet and spinnaker, but we did go sailing mid-refit when those were the only winches on the boat. They worked for the jib but were not powerful enough in 15 knots of wind, I had to luff to get the last few inches in.

For position, I sat down with both legs in front of the wheel, and put the winch just forward of my hip. The official measurement is 'one ass-width'.

Jason V
Vancouver, BC, Canada

thahn
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Joined: 11/30/13
Posts: 6

Thanks for all of the feedback - I think I may try sailing in front of the wheel a bit more and then consider moving the winches back if I still feel like it would be best..I agree about the 40s - likely too small (after doing some additional research).

Tom Hahn
1983 C36 Mk1
Hull # 166
Kerr Lake, NC

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GaryB
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Posts: 582

Tom,
I myself pretty much control the boat from the front of the helm. I just reach backwards for the wheel and it puts me pretty much dead center of the winches. I find it very comfortable to work from this position and control the boat. It also puts me closer to the main-sheet which is on the cabin top. Once I'm on a long tack I either sit right on the seat next to the helm or the coming just to the side of the helm. Pretty much have operated that way for 29 years with my Catalina 30 and now my Catalina 36.

Gary Bain
S/V "Gone With The Wind"
Catalina 36', Hull #: 1056, Year: 1990, Engine: M-35
Standard Rig
Moored: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Home: Auburn, Maine

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