[C320-list] Handling the mainsail

[JimC320 at aol.com]

Lew,
 
I have been using a dewalt right angle 18 volt drill for the past 2 years  to 
lift the main, and it works good as long it is set to turn the two speed  
whinch the slow easy direction (not so slow with the drill). I ussaly get the  
lift complete then tension by hand.
 
Jim
209, elusive 2
 
 
In a message dated 7/27/2006 7:13:56 PM Eastern Standard Time,  
SailorLew at aol.com writes:

In a  message dated 7/26/2006 8:29:31 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
chazw199 at msn.com  writes:
About two years ago, before Sears sold the right angle cordless  drill, I 
bought a 19.2 volt cordless drill with 400 lb torque and a winch  insert from 
a 
Catalina owner.  The drill worked well until the last  three feet and then I 
had 
to winch up by hand but it did save me a lot of  effort.  I have now found 
the 
batteries need replacement as they can  barely lift the sail half way and the 
batteries quit.  I used to get  about three lifts out of them before the 
batteries needed a recharge now  they need recharge after every use.  
Replacement 
batteries cost about  $52.00 a pair.  I haven't made up my mind whether to 
replace 
the  batteries or buy a 24 volt Dewalt with about 500 lb torque, which may 
lift  
the sail all the way up. 
Have you every tried using the drill to trim  the jib when tacking?
Lew