[C320-list] Handling the mainsail

[Allan Field]

I concur - the Strong system was a waste of money.  My 7 year old grandson
can raise the main from the mast all the way to the top with the Strong
system.  But when I do so from the cockpit, there is no way and Orlando,
before you jump in, it's not 'cause I was a squid or am a wimp.  The problem
really is too many turns and, in the case of Sea Shadow, the rope clutch was
not centered with the traveler so that the halyard drags one last time
against the inside of the clutch instead of running fair.

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of charles walsh
Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2006 6:58 PM
To: C320-List
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Handling the mainsail

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)