Winch Overwrapping?

[Hydrotherapy]

While sailing with the jib, I have problems with the jib sheet wrapping over itself on the winch. I believe this happens mainly while sheeting in with a few wraps on the winch.

This is probably an old subject, I did attempt to search for old posts but have decide to take the easy way out.

Do others have this problem, I am trying to figure out if it is an equipment problem or an issue with my technique. The winches are stock 2003 stuff. I usually wind the sheet clockwise around the winch a few times, then either sheet it in or ease it, and pull it into the jam cleat. This over run problem is killing me.

could I get some advice?

thanks,
Kevin

[Ivan Awfulitch]

I've had problems as well, and since I'm usually in light winds (less than 18-20 knots) I usually bypass the winch and simply cleat when using the jib. I normally use the genoa and have gone to a track-mounted swivel cleat as it's much easier to control from the cockpit.

[Moe]

This solved the problem for us.

[Frank C]

Welcome aboard ~ your 2003 26X is a rare duck!

Overwraps are common, and potentially dangerous. You need to understand and recognize the causes, and be careful in your line handling. The main issues:

• The first wrap is at winch-bottom and subsequent wraps climb higher;
• You must try to always hold your line tail above the last wrap, the highest one;
• If the cam cleat is too low, it can contribute to overwrapping as you try to adjust trim;
• You can minimize this tendency by using only one wrap on the winch.

Lot's of guys have removed their cam cleats and mounted riser blocks beneath them (Moe's link).
Roger should add 5 bucks to the price and do this at the factory.

[beene]

Roger should add 5 bucks to the price and do this at the factory.

Sigh.... can't count how many times I have said that about one little thing or another.



G

[Andy26M]

I also used the riser blocks, like Moe's mod. I don't know the model number but I believe I used Ronstan risers that I got off the rack at West Marine - they might be 1.25" vice 1". Either way, they make all the difference.

This was probably the first mod I made to the boat.

- Andy