[C320-list] helm accessible winches-Wireless Autopilot Instead

[Robert E. Sloat]

Nat-I have a 2002 C320 hull 894 and do a reasonable amount of either solo 
sailing or sailing where I do everything.  I can imagine the expense and the 
look of the cockpit with extra winches.

I have an autopilot, so sail adjustment is a little easier with the 
autopilot on.  When the autopilot is on, rather than make sail adjustments 
and run around behind the helm to look at the speed and wind instruments to 
check on things, I installed a Raymarine wireless autopilot controller on my 
boat which has repeater capabilities.  It is the SmartController model which 
is the larger of the 2 offered for my 4000+ autopilot and has a fairly large 
screen that functions as a repeater for up to four readings from the helm. 
I use speed through the water, apparent wind speed and angle and boat 
heading.  It is hung in its holder underneath the dodger using a heavy duty 
towel clip attached to the dodger frame.  Near the dodger it can be easily 
seen from both the primaries and halyard winches and the traveler sheets and 
it self levels in its holder.  So, from the cockpit with the autopilot on, I 
make adjustments from the close at hand winches or the traveler and check 
the autopilot screen for speed and apparent wind angle without going to the 
helm.  Steering changes are easily made with the wireless autopilot from the 
dodger.  You can easily grab the wireless controller take it with you if you 
move to one of the stern seats and really want to be lazy.

I thought about installing a Raymarine repeater somewhere under the dodger, 
but could not find any location where the necessary wires would  be hidden, 
the repeater would be out of the way of halyards or people going into the 
cabin and the installation would have a good look.  I didn't want a repeater 
on the mast.

If things pipe up its back to the helm with occasional adjustments.  I 
lengthened the traveler sheets so they reach the helm so you can dump the 
main with the traveler if needed.

Bob Sloat
Savannah Hull 894

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Nat Antler" <nantler at pacbell.net>
To: <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2011 2:10 PM
Subject: [C320-list] helm accessible winches


Has anyone installed additional winches accessible at the helm for easier
single handling?
Nat, "Natiki" hull # 161