Thread: The Grey Seal Huon Seal

I've just spoken to my mate , who helped me straighten out the halyards.
He is of the opinion that stopping the peak halyard from twisting at the block would help , and I agree.
Whether its enough is another matter.
I asked him about winches , and reduction blocks , and its something to think about .
I've already been fortunate to get the thoughts of people who have experience in these matters , and now I'm putting it to you all , what would be the best way of doing this?.
Normally , both halyards , the peak and the throat halyard are pulled together.
My mate gave an example of his old (much bigger gaff and sails) 'couta boat that used a 3-1 reduction on the peak , and 2-1 on the throat.
When pulled up together , the peak would continue to drop.
They raised the peak some , then raised the peak and throat , secured the throat , then raised the peak right up.
That sounds fair enough , but I'd have to be careful with the lazy jacks on HS.
On his current boat , he has 4 winches , and mostly single hands , no problems.
If I put winches on HS , where ?.
She is set up now to be sailed from the cockpit .
Even when reefing the main , that is done from the companionway.
I'll put up some photos of the way she is set up now.
One shows the belaying pins , to which the halyards are tied off to now , the second shows the halyards , and how they run down the cabin .
I could replace the halyard guides with a couple of small winches , perhaps.
Any thoughts ?.
Regards Rob J.

I DID IT !.
Firstly , I had acupuncture treatment for my arthritis , particularly my hands , this morning , and I felt pretty good.
Went sailing in the afternoon with my old mate , and the first thing we did was tape up the shackle/block on the peak halyard , and IT WORKED !.
No problem with twist , or friction , and I was able to raise the yard myself !.
And then , I caught a big fat salmon within seconds of throwing the paravane in !.
A good day !.
Regards Rob J.

Well, that's a day to remember. Hope the salmon was appreciated at home.
In my humble opinion, if you are feeling daunted by the halyards, find a place to put a pair of winches...raising sail alone is hard enough if under any other pressures or distractions without risking pain as well. They might buy you many more years on your lovely boat. I know even on my 18 footer, if I didn't have winches my wife couldn't crew the jib. Full stop. And she is my most reliable crew! (as far as availability goes) They just make everything so much easier. I even use mine when raising the mast, just to steady it in one hand while I lift with the other- not that you have to worry about that on a mooring, but you will find other uses for them.
Rob

Yes Rob , a winch is still being considered (and I'd like some input) , I'll probably put one in when I take her out of the water.
I think the lesson to be learnt though is just how much friction can be created if the halyards are a bit tangled , and the importance of keeping them clear.
But , I'm open to discussion on a winch .
Regards Rob J.

Dear Rob,

Too much friction can also be nature's warning. To use winches to overcome friction is like replacing a fuse a second time when it blows soon after without asking why.

First look at the shipkeeping ... then if you need a winch it is a good idea. There are a number of boats around your size that don't use winches.

But don't let that persuade you one way or another. Just sort the boat first.

Michael

Yes Michael , of course you are right.
And that is exactly what I did , eliminated the friction , and yes , there was a big difference , and in combination with feeling less pain in my hands , I got there without too much trouble.
I went out again today , and again , I managed , but it was more painful.
I can see times when I just can't do it , regardless of how shipshape I have the blocks and halyards, and then a winch would be a big plus.
I intend going out on my own next week , I'll be making sure everything is spot on , and I just hope to God I can get the main up.
Regards Rob J.

Ah , the 4th sail this week !.
It was 5 hours of heaven , sliding along at 5-5.5 knots , doing it easy , and HS looking fantastic !.
We sailed down the coast , past Narrawong to "holeinthewall" , and back again.
Given the chance , we are going to sail to "Lady Julia Percy" island , and back again.
But my hands let me down , even with the halyards and blocks set up right , I just couldn't get the yard up , by myself.
I need your thoughts please folks , on how I can set a winch/s up , to help me.
Regards Rob J.

Rob,
Are you adverse to going up to the mast to hoist. If not is it possible to mount a winch on the tabernackle for the yard and leave the throat till you get back to the cockpit using a cabin roof mounted winch to get some luff tension.
Not familiar with the set up so I'm talking out my hat.

Cheers
Mike

Mike , if putting a winch on the tabernacle is the best way to go , then I would do it.
But really , I'd like to stay in the cockpit , if I can.
Mainly because its set up to operate that way , including reefing.
And have a look at the deck photo , there is little to hang on to.
I went forward once to correct a jammed staysail furler .
I had just turned around to come back when we hit a big wave , and it seemed I was airborne for an eternity , fortunately I landed on the deck again , and managed to stay there.
But also , you can't just put the throat up , then the peak , because the jaws would jam on the mast.
You need to lift the peak up to clear the lazy jacks , and to free the jaws , then one , then the other , till you get the throat up , then the peak.
Keeping the correct angle on the yard is important , putting it up , as well as down.
Last night we had a fantastic sail , but a little bit of "drama" when lowering the main in fairly blustery conditions , and my mate dropped the peak too far , jamming the jaws.
I tend to think 2 small self tailing winches would do great !.
I can manage the topping lift ok , and the foresails , its just the main that the hands really protest about.
Again , I'm no expert , but I believe 2 small self tailing winches would do the trick.
I could(or should) be able to then raise the throat and the peak together , or either or , and tie off to the belaying pins as I do now.
Does that sounds sensible ?.
What sort of winches should I use , any recommendations?.
Regards Rob J.

Went out fishing yesterday , with an old mate.
It turned out I was the most "able" of the 2 of us , so we didn't sail , but motored .
Found a little bit of difficulty raising anchor , but I quickly learnt to use wave motion to help me.
A successful days fishing too.
We got back in well after dark , it was "interesting" working our way through the other moored boats , in the tender , in the dark!.
Regards Rob J.

I've just had a check over my recent posts , its a bit embarrassing , seems I'm talking to myself !.
Nothing new to report , I've had to cancel sailing for today , I just couldn't do it , no matter how much I want to get out there.
Next week , maybe.
Rob J.

I bought a couple of small winches from "Australian Winch Company" in Sydney some years ago. Online purchase, quality item and a reasonable price at the time.

Corrr! Just found their website.

HUTTON-ARCO Yacht Winches

I guess I must have bought mine a long, long time ago.

Thank you MOB , I'll check it out !.
Regards Rob J.

You are not talking to yourself Rob.

In my case I didn't feel I had anything helpful to add.

I'm keeping up to date quietly.