Roller Furler Winch

[AL Lohman]

We would like to install a small winch for the roller furler, (mostly to help reef the genoa).  We would mount it on the port side about 18-24" behind the genoa winch.  Anyone have any recommendations on which winch would be appropriate for this use.  Any one else done this.
Thanks

[Roc]

Al,
You shouldn't need to use a winch on the roller furler.  If your furler is just too hard to spin, check out the mechanism and get it to work freely.  If your trying to furl the sail while under load, just head up to release the pressure and you should be able to furl it by hand (provided the drum is free to turn).

Roc-

[AL Lohman]

We were out in 20+ knot winds this weekend the force on the genoa was tremendous.  Even heading up into wind, my wife had difficulty reefing the genoa and was afraid she would lose control of the line.  Before we get a new winch I'll try your suggestions and see if it that makes it easier. Thanks for your response.

[Stu Jackson]

Why add a new winch?  There are already two in the cockpit.

[pklein]

When the wind is blowing, I have trouble bringing in the 155 Genoa on the roller furling.  However I have found a simple and effective solution.  I put the furler line around the Genoa winch and hand it to somebody to tail.  Then I go forward to where the line comes out of the drum but before it passes through the first block and pull the line inboard.  This gives me a mechanical advantage and also avoids all the blocks on way back.  The person on the tail merely takes up the slack when I release the line to make the next pull.  After the sail is about 2/3 furled I can come back to the cockpit and finish up.

Phill Klein
Andiamo #977
Montrose Harbor - Chicago

[dave davis]

Before you go to the expense of a winch, try pulling the furling line thru all the little turning blocks at the dock. I found that my boat  was set up by the yard and they used undersize little blocks that causd way too much friction. I replaced them with the next size bearing ones and it made a huge difference. Good Luck

[Ron Hill]

Al: I added a #16 Lewmar self tail to my line drive roller furling 5+ yrs ago. One of the BEST Mods. I've made. If you're interested send me a message at ronphylhill@erols.com      :)

Ron, Apache #788

[Ron Hill]

Al : That's why I hate this stupid BB - I meant to say drum drive which I changed out ( from the Hood 915 line drive that came with the boat) years ago. You might also consider going to a Hood drum drive - easier to use & to change out.  Ron

Ron, Apache #788

[kmorton16@home.com]

I installed a Garhauer clutch and turning block on the outside track which gives control in both directions. The genoa winch can be used if needed.
Ken Morton    Trident   1300

[Terry]

An old topic but I relived it today.  Earlier this summer I was told that if you roll the headsail in with the wind blowing directly off the port or starboard side (as opposed to directly into the wind), it will be easier to roll the headsail in.  Today in 25+ knots, I tried it and it rolled in very nicely.  Wind was directly off our starboard.  Previously I had been using the winch on days like today.  Not sure those who started the post are still here, but for what it's worth.

[tassber]

You might try heading more downwind and easing the sheet way out to take the preasure off, then you should be able to roll up some headsail without so much effort.  It works great with my tall rig 135 jib in 20 knots of true wind.
                       Mike

[hdevera]

I agree with tassber.  I try to head downwind and easy up on the jib sheet a lot.  It makes rolling the jib easier and you don't have to contend with a flogging sail.  I sail in the SF Bay area and winds are routinely over 20 kts, so this method works well.

[Shekinah]

I don't know if all the MK IIs are set up the same way, but my furling line fed back through a small, open cleat on the port side, behind the foot block that handles my genoa sheet.  Even though the cleat was smooth, it was still a fixed surface for pulling the line against.  In an effort to improve the furling action, I ordered an additional foot block from garhauer to bolt on top of the original foot block. Now I feed my furling line through that block and the result is noticable.  An added benefit, the new foot block has a clutch for temporary locking of the furling line.

[Stu Jackson]

Hal's idea of falling off, even going downwind is correct.

We have a Johnson block on the base of the aft stanchion which we use to bring the furling line back into the cockpit at a good angle to furl.  I do a lot of singlehanding, so being forward of the wheel works great with the autopilot steering and I can control both jib sheets and the furling line.

Our furler is a ProFurl LCI32, love it, NOOOO maintenance.

NEVER, EVER needs a winch, but ProFurl says that you CAN use one if you like, it won't break (unlike some others that claim if you use a winch your warranty and your first born kids are at risk.)

Use a broad reach or run and you'll never need a winch.

Stu

[Paul Erb]

Al,

I have seen rope clutches being used on the new Beneteaus for their roller furling.
I am planning on putting one on my boat in the spring mainly for the safety that the line has a stop instead of trying to cleat it in heavier winds.
I have checked out prices and Garhauer seems to be the cheepest and will match everything on the boat.

Paul
Yachta Yachta Yachta (#1634)