[C320-list] Mainsail track

[Ralph Winkler]

Join the matured age club.  I recently found that I've got a "strained" 
rotator cuff in my right shoulder and the Dr. said NO more sail winching. 
PERIOD!!!

Installing main and jib electric winches would be cost prohibitive and the 
installation would be a challenge for two of the three locations.  I looked 
at the Winch Buddy but they want $1199 for a nicely wrapped Milwaukee 
Electric angle drill with a nice canvas bag.  Having been in the 
construction equipment supply business I knew there was a better way and 
found the same 28 volt cordless Lithium battery MET drill on ebay NEW for 
$310.00.  Also on ebay, I found The Cranker, a winch adapter machined from 
one piece of SS for $20.00.  So for $350. including shipping I have a power 
winch and does this thing have mussel.  Last week I ran a guy weighing about 
150 lbs up the mast like it was nothing.  The two yard guys that were there 
couldn't believe it how fast and easy this thing ran him up.  I've been out 
sailing twice now and raising the main is a snap as is tacking the Genoa in 
a 15 kt breeze.  I really think that even at 20 to 25 kts wouldn't faze the 
power of the drill based on the performance so far.  The drill has two gear 
ratios and is variable speed, I've found that low speed is all that is 
needed.
There is one disadvantage, the drill weighs 8.6 lbs. so it takes some 
getting used to.  The unit I bought came with only one battery, a second one 
has a MSRP of $175 but the charger is a one hour unit.  With a 400 watt 
inverter for back-up if needed. But I can do a far amount of sailing on one 
charge.

I went to a sewing material place and found some foam backed headliner 
material that I wrapped around the drill using two wire ties for some 
padding.  This off season I plan to ask a sewing friend of mine to make a 
boot with a zipper on it for the drill.

Like you I'm over 60 and sometime we need to be creative on how we get 
things done.  This was an easy fix for less shoulder pain for 25% of the 
cost for a Winch Buddy and $0000. less then any other option.

Ralph H. Winkler
262-782-2514
941-505-8108
414-379-0790 Cell
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <jpmesa at aol.com>
To: <c320-list at catalina320.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 11:36 AM
Subject: [C320-list] Mainsail track


> Does anyone have the Tides Marine Mainsail track system on their boat?? UK 
> thinks they are great and it is more than half the price of the Harken 
> system. The Tides is a simpler system compare to Harken but UK sure likes 
> them.? Both Bobbi & myself have pins and screws holding out shoulder 
> together so we need that extra help. Thought about a power winch but that 
> doesn't help reefing in a blow.? I have done all the standard mainsail 
> track cleaning etc. but we still need a little extra help.? John & Bobbi?? 
> Holokai 2
>
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