winch relocation

[TwoGreyHairs]

Hi all, thinking of moving jib sheet winches further aft on a 31 foot island packet. Any votes on this move. Feel they could be closer to the helm. Thanks

[SkiprJohn]

With all modifications to your boat be very cautious. Try living with it for awhile and then if you just can't take it any more go ahead and move the winches. It'd be much better to have quick access while at the helm if you do much single handing.
kind regards,

[GaryMayo]

Rather than move winches, how about adding winches? That is what I am going to do. Makes the sailboat more versital and looks less patched as well. Have the new ones, deciding on placement before I do any drilling.

[Jim Cate]

Issues to consider:

Is the coaming reinforced properly in the area where you will mount them?

Will the sheets lead properly to the new location without an additional fairlead block?

Is there clearance for the full swing of the winch handle in the new location?

If all these check out, then why not make the move? We did so on our previous boat which was an ex race boat, and the winch layout was such that there could be a separate gorilla on each winch. Being short of apes on board, we needed the helmsperson to be able to trim all sheets from his position at the wheel. It worked just fine for us... might well for you too.

Cheers,

Jim

[TwoGreyHairs]

Man, super good idea. Now if I could only get the main sheet traveler infront of the helm.lol. We are going to be short handed most of the time so just trying to plan ahead. Thanks a lot, great idea.