[C320-list] Electric winch

[David Wellerstein via C320-list]

Hi all!

Out on the Bay today, 20 knots steady with gusts to 25. Great day to be out (there were so few boats out) and lunch at Angel Island is always a treat. First outing of the season and we had a few issues but all in all a great day!

Taking the main up and down, especially at our ages, is getting to be pretty tiring and especially if we have to do it twice on a sail. I thought maybe an electric winch for the starboard cabin top to raise the main would be perfect until I checked the prices. Wow. Looks to be about $5k just for the winch and probably quite a bit for installation.

So, anyone have any thoughts on tactics for main management for alta k’s (IYKYK) like me? A new boat with a furling main would be cool but not in the cards, at least not for awhile.

Thanks as always and a special shout out to Bob B. for his help with my under sink water issue(s). This group is a life, boat, and sanity saver!

—David

C320 #118 “Dream Catcher"

David Wellerstein | dwel...@mac.com | 925.301.6581 (m)

[Mike Shetter via C320-list]

I use a 3/8 battery powered drill from Harbor freight, about $60 and a
winch bit adapter about $20. I turn 80 this summer and the arrangement
makes raising the main a piece of cake.

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References

1. https://aka.ms/o0ukef

[Jack Brennan via C320-list]

I view winch and sail handling as a good excuse for not going to the gym. :)

Regular use of silicone lube on the main sail track is extremely helpful. I have a Dutchman system, and it also helps to loosen the topping lift before cranking the main up, as does pointing directly into the wind.

A drawback to electric winchs and drills with fittings is that you don't realize when something gets hung up. Doing it by hand gives you the opportunity to clear the snag before you break something.

Still, there are limits as we get older. I spuing for a new windlass that handles chain because I realized, at age 71, that hauling a 35-pound anchor and 80 feet of chain was taxing my strength.

I also find myself occasionally using the winch to haul in the furling jib, even though that was not an issue just a few years ago.

Jack BrennanCatalina 320
Sonas, 1998 Caalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.

________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of David Wellerstein via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>

Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2025 11:00 PM

To: C320...@catalina320.com <C320...@catalina320.com>
Cc: David Wellerstein <dwel...@mac.com>
Subject: [C320-list] Electric winch

[Diane Fowler via C320-list]

We raise the main with a crew member "jumping" the main. He hauls most
of the line down while I take up slack. Halyard is locked , so when it
gets to the end/ he comes back & uses wench for final adjustment. He's
82 & going strong!

#948 Windy City, Cape Coral, FL

Captain Diane Fowler, CRS, GRI, e-PRO

Entrepreneur / REALTOR®
Experience Real Estate Group, LLC
[1]https://dianefowler.eresuccess.com

Cell/Text: (239) 850-4935
[2]dian...@aol.com
"A referral of your friend is the greatest compliment anyone can give
me."

On May 11, 2025, at 11:33 PM, Jack Brennan via C320-list
<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

I view winch and sail handling as a good excuse for not going to the

References

1. https://dianefowler.eresuccess.com/
2. mailto:dian...@aol.com

[Charles Holbrook via C320-list]

David,  
I use a heavy duty drill with an attachment that fits right into the top of the winch.  Look on Amazon for a "Sailboat Winch Bit Adapter."   It cost $18.89.

[SV Osprey via C320-list]

Here’s a link to a chuck that fits on an electric drill for less “torquey” lifting? But you would lose the”feel” like Jack says.

https://a.co/d/fS0k57v

I feel you. My shoulder is need of cortisone after a struggle with the main winch. 😕

Elan
Sv Osprey
1997 Catalina 320 #451

> On May 11, 2025, at 11:34 PM, Jack Brennan via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> I view winch and sail handling as a good excuse for not going to the gym. :)

[Troy Dunn via C320-list]

+1 for jumping the main. This works really well for us and IF you coat
the lugs with a dry lube, ease the boom vang, topping lift and mainsheet so
the boom is not constrained the main goes up effortlessly. Any PTFE
lubricant will work, i use the stuff remington sells but sailkote works
too. Before you move to the mast to jump the main, lock the clutch and
undo the halyard so you can hand it to whoever you have at the helm
(assuming a 2 person crew), they need to steer to windward while taking up
slack. Works a champ everytime.

Troy Dunn
Hull #514

[Jack Brennan via C320-list]

The only caveat with the electric drill and winch is to remember that they have the cheap lithium batteries, the kind that occasionally overheat and catch fire.

Good practice is to keep the batteries in a fire bag and not charge them at night or when you're away from the boat. (This is also good practice for cell phones, tablets, battery packs, electric motors, e-bikes and similar stuff.)

Fires don't happen often, but often enough to spook airlines. You don't want a fire on your boat.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.

________________________________

> >
>

[bruceheyman via C320-list]

Jack brings up a really good point.    I bought similar bags to these for all of our tall ships and for our C320.   No one is allowed to charge phones, flashlights, dive computers, dive lights unless they are in one of these bags in a centralized location.  USCG has issued guidance to use these bags.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KZQZBN2?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_titleBruce HeymanSomerset 2000 Catalina 320San Pedro, CA

[ptormey 4square.net via C320-list]

While I hear a lot of stories about lithium batteries, it's important to note that it's the cheap ones to avoid. Having worked in the manufacture of USA made battery powered tool (Back when we did that kind of thing) I know UL tested products thoroughly tested IF using the provided chargers.

Some AI told me this
"Yes, lithium batteries that are CSA (Canadian Standards Association) or UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approved have undergone rigorous safety testing to meet industry standards. These certifications ensure that the batteries comply with regulations for overcharging, short-circuiting, overheating, and impact resistance.
However, it's important to verify that the battery is genuinely certified and not counterfeit. Some key safety measures include:
- UL 1642 & UL 2054: Standards for lithium cell and battery packs.
- CSA Certification: Ensures compliance with Canadian electrical safety regulations.
- UN38.3 Testing: Confirms safe transportation of lithium batteries.

If you're purchasing lithium batteries, look for authentic certification marks and avoid uncertified or low-quality alternatives.
."

Pat
Pat Tormey
s/v Blues Skies
Newport RI

[surprise thompson87.com via C320-list]

Dirt in the sail track makes a big difference. A few times each season I put a generous amount of dish soap in the slot above the lugs and let it trickle down just before raising the main. The soap is a good lubricant and this helps clean the track when it rains. The sail always goes up much easier afterwards.

> On May 12, 2025, at 9:45 PM, Troy Dunn via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> +1 for jumping the main. This works really well for us and IF you coat

[ART HARDEN via C320-list]

I do the same with the dish soap. I use Dawn on a consistent basis. I was able to cut a little short piece of hose to stick on the end of soap bottle and squirted it into the track. I do it every time I raise the sail. Another trick with the soap is that if you have a fuel spill, you can squirt it onto the spill and it will dissipate immediately. I learned this from a guy on the Erie Canal. That sheen on the water essentially explodes and disappears. I always keep a bottle handy anytime I fill up.


Sent from my iPhone

Art Harden
Catalina 320 "Tortuga" 243
E-42
937.885.9380 (o)
937.477.5544 (m)

> On May 13, 2025, at 8:38 AM, surprise thompson87.com via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> Dirt in the sail track makes a big difference. A few times each season I put a generous amount of dish soap in the slot above the lugs and let it trickle down just before raising the main. The soap is a good lubricant and this helps clean the track when it rains. The sail always goes up much easier afterwards.

[ptormey 4square.net via C320-list]

Just a note on the oil spill thing.

Some Ai says
"Using soap or detergents to disperse oil spills is considered an illegal use of dispersants in the U.S. The Coast Guard and EPA prohibit this practice because it pushes oil deeper into the water column, making cleanup harder and causing more environmental harm. Violators can face fines ranging from $5,000 to $25,000"

Pat
Pat Tormey
s/v Blues Skies
Newport RI

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of ART HARDEN via C320-list
Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 4:38 PM
To: C320...@catalina320.com
Cc: ART HARDEN <arts...@aol.com>; C320...@catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Electric winch

[ART HARDEN via C320-list]

Ok. I never said that and I disavow myself of anything Art Harden says.

Time to go sailing. Sails go up this weekend!!!😎

Sent from my iPhone

Art Harden
Catalina 320 "Tortuga" 243
E-42
937.885.9380 (o)
937.477.5544 (m)

> On May 14, 2025, at 7:14 AM, ptormey 4square.net via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> Just a note on the oil spill thing.