Singlehanding a PSC37???

Seacurves · #1 (**permalink**) 03-05-2011

Looking for some how-to's regarding singlehanding a PSC37. Some specific questions:

* Mainsail is pretty heavy to haul up without jumping at the mast while pulling the halyard. Anyone come up with some kind of mechanical advantage solution here?

* Same type of question with the genny... When tacking & gybing every once in a while the genny is very heavy due to incorrect timing (on my part) or heavier weather. Any options besides just pulling out of the tack or gybe slightly to lessen weight?

* When tacking or gybing, what +/- degrees would you suggest to use with the autopilot, plus anything unique to the PSC37 when tacking or gybing singlehanded?

* I have looked at a few singlehanded docking solutions for other sailboats. Seems knowing the balance point bow to stern is pretty important. Does anyone know this for a PSC37? Any suggestions on docking a PSC37 singlehanded?

* A related question, if you have used a jackline, where are you connecting it?

Any suggestions in this arena are appreciated!

PCP · #2 (**permalink**) 03-05-2011

You can mount a modern rail on the mast with modern sliders. A sail for a 38ft can that way be raised with your force, even without the use of winches.

Regarding the genoa, on normal conditions and good timing should not be a problem. With heavy weather you have normally the genoa already half furled, but if you have problems with medium winds (tacking) just furl the genoa a bit before tacking.

About the auto pilot, they come normally regulated to auto-tack with 45º of the apparent wind. Try that and if your boat needs more just increase 5º each time since you reach the situation you are more comfortable with.

Regards

Paulo

Seacurves · #3 (**permalink**) 03-05-2011

Very helpful Paulo! One additional question, where does one learn about "a modern rail with modern sliders"?

adamowens · #4 (**permalink**) 03-05-2011

I have the Tides Marine Strong track on my 31 mainsail and it is one of the best improvements I've made to the boat. I can get my sail to the mast head by hand and only use the winch for final tensioning.

Adam
PSC 31 Journey

PCP · #5 (**permalink**) 03-05-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seacurves

Very helpful Paulo! One additional question, where does one learn about "a modern rail with modern sliders"?

There are many. Here is the one from Harken. It is not cheap but it is among the best (download the PDF - Battcar product brochure).

Harken: Battcar Systems Q & A

While you don't have a new mast track use this on your sliders:

SailKote Marine Dry Lubricant & Coating for Sails, Rigging, Deck Hardware and more. - McLube

You are not going to believe in the difference.

Regards

Paulo

Seacurves · #6 (**permalink**) 03-05-2011

Looks like the Harken Battcar is a perfect solution for the main. I have already called my local Larsen Marine folks to get a quote.

Looking forward to the flexibility this will provide! I certainly need to improve my sailing skills to singlehand my PSC37 dock to dock, but nothing like being able to actually practice all aspects.

Seacurves · #7 (**permalink**) 03-06-2011

Another question after giving the Battcar main solution some thought regarding reefing the main... Currently I need to go forward to hook the tack cringles on the gooseneck horn, and then tighten the main halyard. In order to not go forward when reefing, is the real option to rework the tack pennants and lead them back to the cockpit? I guess this would be the answer but just checking.

Sorry, a lot of singlehanding details to work through.

PCP · #8 (**permalink**) 03-06-2011

Yes. The only problem is that you will need a lot of blocks: Two for each reef.

arisatx · #9 (**permalink**) 03-06-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seacurves

Another question after giving the Battcar main solution some thought regarding reefing the main... Currently I need to go forward to hook the tack cringles on the gooseneck horn, and then tighten the main halyard. In order to not go forward when reefing, is the real option to rework the tack pennants and lead them back to the cockpit? I guess this would be the answer but just checking.

Sorry, a lot of singlehanding details to work through.

SC:
Your PSC37 is setup for single line reefing (w/enough reef line length). We found there was a lot of friction so decided to set it up to only reef the clew and relied on the dogbones on the reef tacks.

arisatx · #10 (**permalink**) 03-06-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamowens

I have the Tides Marine Strong track on my 31 mainsail and it is one of the best improvements I've made to the boat. I can get my sail to the mast head by hand and only use the winch for final tensioning.

Adam
PSC 31 Journey

+1 on the strong track. Lower cost and complexity. Works great.