[C320-list] Handling the mainsail

[charles walsh]

I have the same problem and even installed the Strong Mast Track System.  It did not help and was a waste of money.  I think the problem is the full batten main and the blocks leading the main halyard back to the cockpit which create a lot of friction.  I plan on buying a regular mainsail in the future which should eliminate a lot of the weight in raising the mainsail. An electric winch is the way to go but they are very expensive.

Charlie Walsh
Windrifter #317
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Joseph C. Fratantoni<mailto:jcfrat at comcast.net> 
  To: c320-list at catalina320.com<mailto:c320-list at catalina320.com> 
  Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2006 7:00 PM
  Subject: [C320-list] Handling the mainsail


    My wife and I handle Winter Whim (# 211) on our own most of the time and
  are finding that managing the mainsail is becoming more and more difficult
  as our medicare benefits kick in.  The major effort is in raising the sail -
  I wrote last year about  power winches and the major opinion was to
  lubricate the sail slugs, which worked fairly well.  We are comfortable with
  the Dutchman and dropping the sail is not a problem.  Reefing certainly is.

   

    With that as background, the issue is that I am looking a aftermarket
  mainsail furling and at Battcar-type systems to ease the sail slug problem.
  Is there any experience out there with either?

   

  Joe and Pauline Fratantoni

  Rockville, MD

  Winter Whim (# 211)