Winch Dilemma.

[spiritrunner]

After three months of obsession with wanting a sailboat, my wife has finally decided that we should get one. I had to wait for the annual boatshow so that she would attend with me. Not that she wanted to go, but she was making sure I wasn't going to drag something home hitched to my truck. Now that she's exposed to boating and easy financing that doesn't strain the budget, she's now interested.

While shopping for 25 to 30 foot boats. I've come across a 25 footer that has 2 winches on either side of the thingypit but none on the cabin top that you would see on either side of the companion way. The boat owner tells me that the main is light and doesn't need a winch to pull up. (He's admitted that he's a novice with sailing so I'm looking for additional opinions.) This boat is a Catalina 25 with a pop top, so I can understand why it might be a problem having a winch for the main sail.

Since I'm not a sailor yet, I was wonding if anyone could tell me if that a main sail winch for a 24 to 25 foot boat with a 30 to 33 foot mast would be missed, particularly if caught out in a squal. I also wonder if that goes for women as well. I want to be sure my wife can atleast manage the main sail on her own.

Jason

[dflowers]

Jason,

You shouldn't need a winch to raise the mainsail on a Catalina 25. The two winches on the sides are the jib sheet winches. If you really need to tighten up the mainsail when raising it, you could lead the main halyard back to the port jib sheet winch ( left side ) and give it a pull.

I would definitely recommend finding a sailing club at whatever lake you're planning on sailing at. Usually sailors are happy to visit with you and "show you the ropes".

If you're just getting started, it's a lot easier to learn on something small like a Sunfish or Daysailer to get the feel for really sailing. If you don't like it, you've made a $1000 mistake instead of a $30,000 mistake. If you do like it and decide to get a C-25, it's always fun to have a Sunfish or Daysailer around.

The C-25 is a great boat. I have a Catalina 22.

David

[spiritrunner]

David,

Thanks for your response. As it turns out, the wife didn't approve of the C-25. She wanted a cabin big enough to walk in and cook in. So we recently purchased a Hunter 28.5. It has 6 winches, so I have one for any occasion I suppose.

I can sure appreciate the ease of docking a 25 footer. The more the wind blows, the more my blood pressure goes up hoping I keep control of the boat until I get a dock line tied to it.

[dusty]

I've got a little 14 foot Capri -- no winches 8)

I feel you made the right choice, Jason. On a sailboat and someone who knows how to cook has a place to cook, man, that has got to be nice! On the boat, off in some secluded, wooded cove, sun goin' down, beer in hand, and the smell of the better half's specialties rises up from out of the cabin - surely can't beat that!

Empathize with the blood pressure deal. On my 14 footer with really no ballast to speak of, the wind kicks up, there rose my blood pressure a little - I like the adventure, but I get nervous because my 5-turned-6-almost-7 year old is always out there with me and safety has got to be #1. Gotten a lot more confident, though, in the two years of getting out there. Hope that eases up for you - the whole adventure should be full of peace and tranquility from start to finish 8) but, then, that's the trick to life itself, I suppose...

Thanks for coming and asking that question here, great conversation.

[dusty]

Jason,

I hope I'm not too forward, but I have to say, David Luckenbach has sailing classes. I went Spring aught-six. Completely worth it. I think he might even be willing to go out on your boat with you, you should sign up! He'll definitely be able to show you what every winch is for...

Nothing like having the confidence of some competent instruction behind you, mostly so you don't risk life or limb, and lessor so you don't damage such a fine craft as a Hunter.

[spiritrunner]

Thanks Dusty,

I'm definitely into getting instruction. More importantly, getting instruction for my wife. While I feel confident in being able to handle or pick up on everything but the spinnaker, my wife doesn't seem to be absorbing much from my instruction and we have a break down in communication. For instance. I'm fine with the boat feeled over 40 degrees, but she's running the wheel and freaking out, and changes course on me and jibes without saying a word to me. (she's still in the process of learning the importance of not jibing and tacking w/o notice to crew) We still have plenty to learn.

What lake is David on? My boat is docked at Grapevine Lake.

[bradtailford]

Where do you dock your boat on Grapevine, I have an O'Day at Scotts Landing.

[spiritrunner]

I'm docked at Scott's Landing as well.