Installing main halyard winch and fairleads on cabin roof

[Sea Hunt Video]

Tim:

How is work progressing on "our" project

Do you have photos of the installed winch - interior and exterior

What products (make/model) did you use for winch, turning block, line clutch, etc.

In starting the process of thinking through how I will do mine, it occurs to me that my mast will be unstopped and sitting on the coach/cabin roof, bowsprit, etc. I need to determine a way to measure and mark out exactly where I want the mast base block, then the turning blocks, line clutch and winch. The winch is probably not an issue; there is a very limited space between the coach roof rail and the hand rail. It just fits. The other equipment is an issue.

I am also initially flummoxed as to how I will access the cabin if the mast is tied down bow to stern and fully resting on the coach/cabin roof. It seems like I would not be able to lift up the hatch boards.

Candidly, my first priority is removing, servicing and reinstalling the four (4) seacocks inside the engine compartment (2 cockpit drains; 1 engine raw water; and 1 sink drain seacock). I have to figure out how to access the cabin to do this as well.

The joy of sailboat work And doing all of the above while simultaneously worrying about "wind events" this Summer. Pure joy

[mgphl52]

Tim:
I am also initially flummoxed as to how I will access the cabin if the mast is tied down bow to stern and fully resting on the coach/cabin roof. It seems like I would not be able to lift up the hatch boards.

Once transported, offset the mast so you can access the hatch???

[tjr818]

Okay Roberto, here is where we are today. We have had family obligations and/or rain for several days so today was the first return trip to the project. I have seven photos so I guess I will have to post three times. Maybe I can omit one. I have the winch installed and now I am working on the line clutch and the deck organizer. I tried a few preliminary positions and then examined where the bolts would fall inside the cabin. That might be the first time that I really noticed the bolts for the jib sheet tracks, they are drilled right through the cabin top and the overhead and simply bolted to the overhead with standard washers So I might do that with the deck organizer. I decided to place the deck organizer between the forward Starboard corner of the sea hood and the aft end of the jib sheet track. I played with the idea of angling the halyard to decrease the angle and load on the deck organizer, but it really didn't make much difference and it just did not look right to my eye,, so the halyard will be parallel with the hatch opening and the handrail. Today I located those parts on the deck,drilled the holes through the outside layer of the cabin top, cleaned out a 1/4" all of balsa and poured the epoxy into the holes. The next step is to drill a 1/16" pilot hole through the epoxy an down through the overhead, this will allow me to measure the gap between the overhead and the cabin top. Then I can decide what length of bolts will be needed, whether or not I am going to put the nuts between the cabin top and the overhead or on the overhead like the jib sheet track bolts.

My Parts.jpg

Here is a photo of the jib sheet track bolts:

Jib Track inside.jpg

Looking forward:

Halyard Layout.jpg

[tjr818]

Roberto. i agree that you should be able to move the mast to one side far enough to access the cabin. How is the mast supported? We used to put a padded 2x4 across the from and aft pulpits and we could easily slide the mast of our 27.

Here are a few more photos of the current project:

Organizer.jpg

Skewed layout (not used):

Halyard layout skewed.jpg

Winch bolts hidden by cabin dome light:

Winch inside.jpg

[Sea Hunt Video]

Tim:

Thanks VERY much for the additional photos. I am not sure you realize how helpful your photos are to a dummy like me.

In looking at the two (2) line deck organizer from Spinlock it looks from your photos that it is "angled" and NOT squared up with the hatch, rail, etc. You wrote: "I played with the idea of angling the halyard to decrease the angle and load on the deck organizer, but it really didn't make much difference and it just did not look right to my eye,, so the halyard will be parallel with the hatch opening and the handrail".

From all the photos I have seen of a deck organizer they are sort of at a 45 degree angle and are not parallel (or squared up). Check out photos posted by Warren Kaplan on S/V Sine Qua Non (a CD 27). I think this is because, as you stated, angling the deck organizer puts less pressure (stress) on the line and the deck organizer wheels. Perhaps reconsider From what I have seen on local sailboats and from photos on this website, the "angled" deck organizer looks good. But, to each his own. I personally prefer brunettes but I do understand the appeal of redheads and blondes.

I think I am going to purchase a three (3) line clutch and three (3) line deck organizer. I am hoping to be able to route the two (2) reefing lines back through the line clutch and to the cockpit as well as the main halyard. I am not sure if the line clutch will be able to "grab" the smaller diameter reefing lines; smaller diameter as compared with the main halyard. Something I will have to consider.

Tim and Mike:

Thanks for the suggestion about moving the mast. Yes, I had thought of that. My concern was that I thought I would be building a 2x4 bracket (X) at both the bow and stern where the mast would rest while also resting on the cabin roof with the 2x4 bracket standing up in the cockpit sole. This is how the mast was initially stored when S/V Bali Ha'i was hauled and prepped for the NJ hurricane in 2011 (Irene ) It is my understanding the mast is very heavy and I did not want it supported by just the pushpit and/or pulpit.

It is a minor issue. As you both have suggested I can move it to one side for a couple hours while working in the cabin or I can build a different brace/bracket to take the weight of the mast. I had hoped to put the mast in the back patio but, again, I think it is too heavy to be moved without mechanical (forklift) help.

Once again, this board is outstanding

[Sea Hunt Video]

Tim:

I forgot to mention one thing. In studying the prospect of doing this project I remember thinking (and being told) to position the line clutch and winch as far aft as possible so that I would not have to reach too far to lock down the line clutch handle. I know your winch is already in but not yet the line clutch.

Also, from at least one of your photos it looks like the line clutch handle is positioned to open from front to back. You may want to think about reversing this so that it will be easier to grab the handle and lift it up to release the line and easier to push the handle down to secure the line. Just a thought.

[tjr818]

Roberto,
The line clutches come in different sizes for different size lines. The Lewmar ones all have the same footprint and look identical, but the innards are set up for the different size lines.
The Lewmars have the method for the line release is looks odd, but you only have to use that when lowering the sail; this of it a s a release. Other brand use method you seem to prefer.
Make sure that you check the position of the clutch, winch, and winch handle all together as a system, and have your shortest regular crewmate (blonde or brunette) check for ergonomics .
Whether you angle the deck organizer or not the lines will still form approximately 135 degree angle. That is purely a matter of how it looks to your eye. Moving the organizer inboard will reduce that angle somewhat, but when I tried the inboard position it didn't look right and it only reduce the 135 degrees to about 133 degrees. I chose to have the halyard run parallel to the hatch and the organizer at 45 degrees.
I married a beautiful blonde only to find out, years later, that the blondness came from a bottle. She was a lovely brunette too.

[Sea Hunt Video]

Tim:

Thanks. Your posts and photos are VERY helpful. Excellent work.

[mgphl52]

Just an FYI - Garhauer makes line clutches now, too. I plan to get one to replace a broken Lewmar on KAYLA.

[tjr818]

Roberto,
The Garhauer seems as though it may cover the range of line sizes you have.

https://www.garhauerstore.com/deck-bloc ... 1-13s.html

[tjr818]

Okay, we have made a bit more progress:
Here is a photo of the clean 1" diameter holes through the overhead. I first drilled through the epoxy plug and thought the overhead with a 1/16" bit to locate the holes on the inside. Then using the 1/16" holes as a pilot holes, I drill through the overhead with a 1" Forstner bit. You can see the 1/16" holes in the epoxy.

Clean Holes.jpg

Then I inserted the bolts, stuck the washer through the holes and held them in place with a bit of butyl compound. Then the socket wrench with an extension an the nut were threaded on. I was able to hold the other end of the bolt by reaching through the companion way for the clutch. For the deck organizer I was able to work from on deck and reach through the adjacent porthole to hold the nut with a socket wrench.

Nut & Washer.jpg

Lastly I popped in the plastic hole plugs. I had ordered white, but they sent these almost clear ones. White ones have been reordered.

Plugged Holes.jpg

[Sea Hunt Video]

Tim:

As ALWAYS, thanks for the photos and the explanation.

Question: Where did you purchase the plastic hole covers I had thought of just using a large round teak plate but putting a hole cover in first would be much better (I think )

Work is in progress to bring my Triad trailer to Miami from NC at the end of June. Soon thereafter I will haul and move S/V Bali Ha'i home for "H" season. Work will then begin on removing and cleaning the seacocks (I have 4 to do ) and then installing the deck winch, line clutch and deck organizer.

THANKS again for great photos and discussion

[tjr818]

The translucent plugs came from Home Depot. The White ones are "supposed" to be on order.

[Sea Hunt Video]

Tim:

Do you have any additional photos showing work or finished deck, equipment, backing plates, etc.

Also, if you have any "learning experience" points they would be helpful. Things like "do this" or "whatever you do don't do that".

Fingers crossed, S/V Bali Ha'i will be coming home on a trailer the week of 25 - 29 July. I will then begin the three projects I have been putting off for a long time - running main halyard to cockpit; removing and cleaning four (4) seacocks; and installing a new marine head. Yea

Again Tim, thanks for all of your efforts at documenting and posting your project. They are very, very helpful.

[tjr818]

Tim:

Do you have any additional photos showing work or finished deck, equipment, backing plates, etc.

Also, if you have any "learning experience" points they would be helpful. Things like "do this" or "whatever you do don't do that".

Fingers crossed, S/V Bali Ha'i will be coming home on a trailer the week of 25 - 29 July. I will then begin the three projects I have been putting off for a long time - running main halyard to cockpit; removing and cleaning four (4) seacocks; and installing a new marine head. Yea

Again Tim, thanks for all of your efforts at documenting and posting your project. They are very, very helpful.

Roberto, I will try to get some "finished install" photos the next time I am at the boat. All my backing plates are 1" dia. SS fender washers, because that is what would fit through the hole int the ?liner/overhead. I feel that they are more than adequate for the anticipated loads of a halyard and lazy jacks.

My "Learning Experiences":
I only ran those two lines back to the cockpit, if I do it over again (which I might) I would make provisions for running more lines back. I might yet run the reefing lines back to the cockpit. I would say that if you plan on running four lines back you might want to plan for a future fifth line.

When locating the winch and the clutches consider your shortest crew member, Some of those bikini clad maidens can be quite petite (as I have imagined anyway).

Cleanliness is next to godliness! Tape off everything, one drop of epoxy in the wrong place can leave a stain that might never come out. Have solvent, rags, ammonia, and soap ready to clean up any spill.

Good luck with your projects. Hopefully the weather will be cool for you,
Tim