[FloridaBoy]

Hello, All! My boat only came with one lewmar self tailer, the other 3 are standard Barient winches. Since I solo 2-3 times a week, I bought 2 self tailers. The jib winches on my boat are forward of the steering wheel. A real pain in the patootie when tacking or whatever. I think I'm gonna mount them where the aft winches are, just behind the wheel. I'm thinking it would be A LOT EASIER, Ya Think??? That way I could just lean to the port, lean to the starboard, hold the wheel with my knee! I don't have a spinnaker and don't see one in the near future. What do you gentlemen think about that? Kevin

 

[Faster]

Makes sense.. Many of the newer boats today are putting primary winches within reach of the helm position.

Your issues will likely be bolt hole alignment between the old and new, as well as a proper and fair lead to the new winch positions off of your original tracks and/or turning blocks.

It would be helpful to know what boat you're on.

 

[FloridaBoy]

Hey, Faster! 1971 35ft Morgan MK 2. I'm not too worried about bolt hole alignment. I can just epoxy the old holes and start new. Right? The angle looks good and nothing in the way. Might have to raise them a half inch. Make a teak base or something like that? But, I think it will be alright the way it is. And I can put in a backing plate. Non of my winches have backing plates??!!! Thanks for the reply. Kevin

 

[Sailormon6]

There are a number of different ways that you can deal with that situation without moving the winches aft. The problem with moving the winches aft is that, when you have crew, he won't be able to use them efficiently.

My 35' boat has wheel steering aft of the winches, and I singlehand it. I don't think it's necessary to move the winches aft, but you do need the cleats to be within easy reach when you are behind the wheel. When I'm preparing to tack, I move forward of the wheel, put a winch handle in the lazy winch before tacking, and steer from that position through the tack. From there, I have easy access to the winches on both sides, I have good balance, and can grind the winch hard if necessary. I use the wheel brake to hold the wheel during the tack. After the tack, I move back to my position aft of the wheel. If I can reach the jib sheet cleats from behind the wheel, I can adjust the sail trim without leaving that location.

 

[Dutch]

Sounds like a plan.The riser could also be made from starboard,no maintenance worries.
Backing plate is a good idea,good luck.

 

[FloridaBoy]

I hear ya', Sailormon! Very good point. Hmmm.... I'll think a little more on it. I Don't see anybody joining me. And, if they did, couldn't they grind from forward of the wheel? Just thinking out loud. Of course, If I got 2 more selftailers, for a total of 4, then I gots no problem! Kevin

 

[GeorgeB]

Florida, I'm with Sailorman. You should be able to use the current winch positions while single handing. I also place myself either in front of or on the side of the wheel to grind. What you want to do is make a circular template with both winch diameter and the winch handle radius (I would assume 10" handles or your boat). Now place the template on your coaming. You will notice that he pushpit and/or lifelines start inferring more as you move the winch aft. Give yourself ample allowance for your fist clearance too. I've been on boats where not too much attention was paid to the ergonomics with painful results!

 

[Sailormon6]

I crewed on a boat that had the winches mounted the way you are suggesting, and I had to reach aft, the wheel was in the way, and I couldn't get good leverage or good balance. I finally stood with one foot on the cockpit floor and the other knee on the cockpit bench. When I had to use the winch handle, the wheel was in the way.

I suggest you try it for a few tacks. It might feel a little awkward at first, but after you get proficient at it, you might like it. If not you can always move the winches.

 

[Faster]

I solo our 34 footer too, and manage with the primaries forward of the wheel.. yes, it's do-able. I actually have secondaries in a better (handier) spot but they are too small for the job.

The point about any possible crew having difficult access is very valid. By all means upgrade to selftailers, but maybe give it some time before you make any major changes.

 

[FloridaBoy]

Ok, Ladies and Gents, Got them 43st's mounted. Put them forward, where they belong and no worries. Used butyl tape. New stainless bolts and stuff. Wood backing was very dry, looked good. Sealed with epoxy before mounting winches. All the PO had on there was a little clear silicone around each bolt.Used large stainless washers and lock washers. What was on there was ONE lockwasher and a nut on every bolt! I figured what I did was an upgrade! It lasted 41 yrs like that, oughta last another 40 they way I did it. By the way, I could turn most of the nuts off with my fingers. Well, they are on and they are beautiful. Thanks for the advice, to all. Kevin