winch on the mast

[Medved]

Another newbie question. I am working with a local rigger to change my setup for a short handed sailing. He recommended to move both spinnaker and headsail halyards to the boom to free up port side for other needs, such as vang, reefing, etc. I was thinking if it could make sense to move my non self-tailing winch to the mast and install a self-tailer to port. Has anyone done this? Good idea? Bad idea?

[mark_53]

I prefer to have all those things in the cockpit.  Moving around deck unnecessarily adds risk.  My vang is already on the port side and reefing from starboard.  Self tailers are better than the non self tailer.  It would be easier to hoist the main from the mast if that's a big issue fore you.

[Stu Jackson]

Another newbie question. I am working with a local rigger to change my setup for a short handed sailing. He recommended to move both spinnaker and headsail halyards to the boom to free up port side for other needs, such as vang, reefing, etc. I was thinking if it could make sense to move my non self-tailing winch to the mast and install a self-tailer to port. Has anyone done this? Good idea? Bad idea?

Not such a newbie question.  Many skippers, as they have grown and learned about mainsail controls and other rigging issues, have decided to "grow" their sail controls.   [I think you meant mast, not boom.]

Before you start moving things, think about what you NEED as compared to WANT to have.

If you haven't yet, you can build up your deck organizers, to double stack them.  You'd also need fairleads under your traveler track.

Jib halyard:  I left mine at the mast because I tension the luff with a downhaul at the tack of my jib.  Others continue to use their halyards for this purpose.  Before you move it, figure this out for yourself.

Short handed sailing:  seems counter-intuitive to move the spinnaker halyard to the mast for this.  I know of one fully crewed boat that still has the spinnaker halyard led aft, because that's where the crew is except for the bowman pulling the sock through the forward hatch or companionway.

Reefing:   Consider double line reefing for short handed sailing.  Its easier and better.  You may not have to move it at all, and if no lines go to the mast, then you won't have to.  Consider getting a "Wincher" on that winch if you feel you need a self tailer.  Even if you don't move it to the mast, then you could get one.

Which of your cabintop winches are non-self tailers?  Both?  What are they serving now?

The vang doesn't need a winch, I use a swivel cam cleat on the outboard side forward end of the dodger.

I've posted photos and a list of what I have, but here's what I recall:

Port side:  vang (in cam cleat), three sheetstoppers: 2nd reef tack and clews

Starboard side:  two sheetstoppers: first reef tack, mainsheet, main halyard, lazy jacks (cam cleat outboard)

From my Double Line Reefing tech note:  We have two level deck organizers with five blocks on each side.  On the port side: the first reef clew, second reef clew and second reef tack (plus the cunningham and vang).  On the starboard side: first reef tack (plus main halyard, lazy jacks, and mainsheet -one block empty).   https://c34.org/mainsheet/pdf/Double_Line_Double_Reefing.pdf  That 2003 article has photos galore, either in 2003 or 2004 tech notes online.

Others have their outhauls led aft.

There are many different ways to skin this cat without moving anything to the mast.

[Ron Hill]

Guys : I know of a few C34s that have mounted a extra #30 size winch on the starboard side of the mast.  They all state that it is easier to hoist the main and MUCH MUCH easier to hoist someone up the mast!!!

Sometimes I pull down on the halyard at the mast and have the helmsman take up the slack thru a rope stopper - to raise the main.  Takes a lot less effort than pulling the halyard thru the 2 deck turning blocks!!

A few thoughts

[dfloeter]

Just another version.  I am essentially single handing much of the time.  We mounted a #16 Lewmar on the port side of the mast for the spinnaker halyard.   On the starboard side down at the base we mounted a cam cleat as a temporary stopper for the main halyard. This way I can raise the main at the mast and then take up the slack in the cockpit making sure to leave the tail spread out a bit foreward to ensure it's running through the block without tangling. 
I haven't tried the #16 for hoisting a person but should give it a shot.  We use a Milwaukee drill for the job so it might work.