[C320-list] Mainsail track

[Pat Moriarty]

Ralph I had a torn rotator cuff and a shreadded bicep sleeve repaired 
which required cutting the bicep and reattaching it with a 7mm screw 
and was hoisting the main in less than 4 months. I have a dock mate 
with the drill and will try it and probably get one if for only going 
up the mast, my wife hate that and I seem to have to climb half of 
the way while she grinds.

Pat #130

At 06:19 PM 7/29/2008, you wrote:
>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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>
>

Pat Moriarty
PSI Urethanes Inc
PH: 800-888-5156  Fax: 512-837-8733
Please visit our web site at
www.psiurethanes.com