Bristol 32

[Dcneuro]

So how is everyone with a 32 doing single handing? My autohelm is set up so that I can sit mid cockpit and do everything, however, there is no way that I can feasibly sail the boat alone from the wheel helm. Curios what others have done with the wheel helm boat.

[seabreeze_97]

Check out the way this fellow handles it.
http://www.kestrelboat.com/

[Dcneuro]

How does that wind vane work? (not good/bad, but how does it really work?)

[Tartan34C]

Originally Posted by Dcneuro

How does that wind vane work? (not good/bad, but how does it really work?)

A servo pendulum works very simply. A wind vane is set to point into the wind when you are on course. If the boat turns the wind vane moves and a pushrod turns a paddle or “rudder” that is pivoted and at the same time hung on a shaft parallel to the waterline. As the paddle pivots it swings one way or the other depending on which way the wind vane turned. The control line is attached to the swinging paddle shaft and as it swings it pulls the tiller or winds a drum attached to the wheel and turns the boat until the wind vane is again pointing into the wind and that centers the paddle starting the entire process over again.
All the best,
Robert Gainer

[PTrickett]

I had the same issue having moved down from a Niagra 35 that had twin, independent mainsheets led aft w/ winches near the helm.

I bought two ST Lewmar wijnches and had SS pedestals made that bolted to the deck. These were made in stages (by Mystic Stainless)...First a cardboard mock-up, then a rough SS model, then two more incarnations and voila...Very expensive, beautiful and accessible winches!

I often wear knee pads at the helm...not pretty, but no pain.

Paul

I'll send pictures off net

[bristolsailor32]

I just sailed my bristol 32 from the bahamas to maine, with alot of time offshore. I take my jib sheets, do one wrap around the leeward winch, then bring it up to the windward side. then i can sit on the indward side and sheet the jib. i use a wheel autopilot, and sit forward of the wheel pedastle. if i need to take the helm, i either steer from where im sitting, or jump to the other side of the pedastle. great boat to single hand!