Sheet Winches, Do you need them?

[Cjflyer]

Delete

[c130king]

You are likely to get differing opinions on this question. But since I am sitting around waiting for the movers to show up I will give my $0.02 worth.

No.

You can use some sort of Cam Cleat somewhere in your cockpit to hold the sheets (either Jib or Genoa). I use "Bill's EZ-Cleats" (do a search) mounted on my Genoa Tracks on the sides of my cockpit and they work great for my 150 Genoa. I haven't used my winches since I got the EZ-Cleats nearly three years ago. I don't have a Jib but if I did I still wouldn't need the winches as I have Cam Cleats mounted up near the winches.

Good Luck.

Cheers,
Jim
Sailing on König

[Catigale]

For Lake sailing (which I presume is what you will be doing in KS) you dont need winches....EZ cleats or even just turning blocks will be fine.

[Rick Westlake]

Dunno about "Jim's EZ Cleats" but I have a pair of Garhauer genoa-track cleats (they've got to be very-nearly the same thing) and they've been giving me some trouble this year. They've been letting go under stress, and I really don't believe it's due to sloppy technique on my part; appears to me that they flex enough to release under load. I think, in all honesty, you could do better by mounting big Clamcleats a few inches aft of the genoa tracks.

But ... there are times when I wish I did have sheet winches back on the cockpit coamings. And I've come to the conclusion that a sheet winch that isn't a self-tailer is a waste of space.

I am giving serious thought to installing Lewmar 14ST winches aft of the genoa tracks. Problem is, the gunwales aren't really wide enough; I'd have to secure the winches with four bolts, rather than filling all five bolt-holes on the winch base. (Four 1/4" bolts, and a 3/4" plywood backing plate with fender washers under the lock-nuts, would probably be strong enough to lift the boat, though.) I'd also have to build up a "shoulder" under the bit of winch that would protrude outboard over the gunwale; not all that tough a job, if it's aesthetic rather than structural.

Haven't seen a sign that anyone else has done this; one mod was posted that showed self-tailers back on the stern, but that seems awkward to me.

Any thoughts, gentlemen?

[TAW02]

According to the gentleman who sold my first sailboat (an accomplished sailor) I might add, commented on the use of sheet winches in a way that strikes home if you've ever had 'rope burn' on your hands.

A sheet winch provides a leverage point of equal <> forces. That being a stopgate between you and a potentially uncontrolled force. To uncleat a sheet under a sudden gust that is not wound on a winch can play hull on your hannypies.

Sometimes I think a sheet winch (or better) would serve well on the anchor line ... ouch!

[Catigale]

TAW - for a an offshore 36 foot boat, you need winches and wenches...agreed

A 22 foot on inland lakes probably doesnt. My 17 footers dont come with any winches so its not a huge stretch to the 22.

[technicalman]

I sail a 26C. I used my winches a couple of times, then just used the clam cleats. I'm typically a fair weather sailor. I haven't had to use the Genoa or Jenniker on my current boat. With the standard working jib, probably don't need them. Bigger sails probably pull a lot harder and the winches will be helpful.

[AGAMON]

When we rescued High Hopes our 1974 Venture/Portager 222, there were very small cleats, not at all sufficient to easily handle the Jib sheets. I bought a pair of chromed lewmar #7 standard winches and a 10" handle. (Ebay 120.00 for the pair) I can't imagine sailing with our 135% Jib in a blow without the winches. They are an excellent investment, can be continuously rebuilt if necessary, and can be highly useful in many ways.

[DaveB]

If you do any winds over 20 Knots and want to sheet in you can't do it beating to windward unless you luff the headsail and that will slow you down or even a accidential JIBB.
Even Apparent Wind of 15 knots beating will put Calases on your palm after a few tacks.
Make it easy on yourself and get them, you will really like them in a Thunderstorm when wind kicks up.
Last thing you want to do is a head up to luff the headsail so you can bring in the sheet line in a blow.
Dave

I am not sure of the correct term for the equipment, but my V22 did not come with any "Sheet Winches" nor is there any evidence of there ever being any installed. My question is, are they needed, required, typically installed etc?

[bscott]

For general jib sheet handling, my crew (12 yrs +++) uses the winch to harden the sheet to relieve the clam cleat pressure in order to release the sheet---the winch is also used to inch the sheets hard for a perfect set. Mongo crew members don't need to use the winch.

Bob

[Erik Hardtle]

I installed winches aft for single handling of my genoa sail on the boat. Has made handling the boat easy.