We’re going to be reinstalling cabin top hardware very soon on Felix #27, specifically the hardware for sail handling. I’d like some opinions on my thinking…
I’ve eliminated all the cleats and opted for clutches - three on the port side (Halyard and 2 reefs) and 4 on the starboard side (Choker, 2 reefs and the topping lift) - note they’re just reversed in the photo while I was figuring things out. Previously, there were 2 winches on each side. Do I need that many? Is there ever a time when I’ll need two winches on one side loaded up? I hate clutter. If anyone has a similar setup and photos, please send them my way! Thanks all.
Clutches, winches and cleats.
Lions and tigers and bears.
I would leave them all. It can’t hurt anything and you may need it. I love labor, saving devices, and the cleats are a good place to hang the lines if nothing else. Are they self tailing witches?
On Allegro I re did the clutch deck arrangement first thing. On the port side is a triple spinloc clutch that handles the first reef and the Cunningham. Right beside that is a bigger clutch for the main halyard. All this leads to a big self tailing winch. On the starboard side is two double clutches. One is for the second reef and the other is for the topping lift and the out haul (chocker). These lead to a small non self tailer that never gets used. I wouldn’t change a thing.
After 30 different boats I’ve learned that simple is best. Redundant gear like multiple cleats or winches are just in the way of getting the job done. Rig it simply, maintain the hardware and it will be there for you.
I’m not familiar with the layout on a 30U. So this may not pertain.
I sail shorthanded on Soave ( a 33 ) that has a large powered winch on the port side within easy reach from the helm. The main halyard is led back to this winch which is used for mainsheet and halyard. Other 33’s sometimes utilize a cabin top winches for the halyard… which is fine unless a dodger is added which obscures visibility of the sail ( like mine). The person hoisting the sail needs an unobstructed view especially if power assist is used. When single handing this winch makes life MUCH easier and it eliminates the need for a winch on the port cabin top.
One self-tailing winch on the starboard cabin top works well, when underway the choker clutch is usually open and choker is left loaded on the winch to make it easy to adjust.
I agree with the move to rope clutches but I’ve noticed they are kinda hard on the cordage. Maybe plan for end-2-end reversals to increase longevity.
Also the original deck organizers are obsolete… the cool kids are using deck organizers with low friction rings instead these days. These have the added benefit of not being sensitive to the angle of the lines coming off the turning blocks on the mast collar. (long story but a tricky compromise on the 33 ) Soaves deck organizers have sheaves that are approaching EOL so I’m in the market for new ones that have the same screw pattern.
Rob: Can you send a pic of how your main halyard is run? I always singlehand and find running to the cabin top to lift my main quite the solo task with nobody at the helm.
