Lewmar 43st winch sheet size?

[Michael Trant]

I have a Perarson 31-2 with Lewmar 43st winches for the jib.  The jib sheets that came with the boat are 1/2" and do not grip well in the self tailing mechanism.  I am ready to replace them.  Can anyone recommend a line size and type that works well with these 43st winches?

 

Mike

[Bill Robart]

Lewmar's web site doesn't list your winch but the 44ST will supposedly handle line from 5/16 to 9/19.  That said, the self tailing mechanism isn't designedto hold the sheet against the tension from the jib so if you have too few turns on the winch the sheet will likely slip.  Before you buy new line try an additional turn on the winch and see if that helps. 

 

Bill

[Michael Trant]

The 44st is from the new line of Lewmar winches and the self tailing mechanism is spring loaded.  The older 43st winch has a fixed groove without the spring loading mechanism.  We use 2 to 3 wraps and then try to lock it in the self tailer, but the line falls out easily and is then subject to slip.

 

Mike

---

From: Bill Robart <wro...@gmail.com>
To: pearso...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2009 10:12:55 AM
Subject: [pearson ] Re: Lewmar 43st winch sheet size?

[Bill Robart]

Mike,

 

I'd consider 3 turns a minimum.  Try 4 and then after the line comes out of the tailing mechanism put an additional "safety" turn around the drum.  The safety turn will help prevent accidentally pulling the line from the tailer and  likely help the slipping.  I suppose you could also scuff up the surfaces where the line is gripped to increase friction.  Failing that I'd use the cleats if they are still there. 

 

Your discovering the reasons I'm not a fan of self tailing winches. 

 

Bill

[Peter Ogilvie]

I use 7/16 StaSet, not StaSet X, with my 43s. Works fine. Had 1/2 inch sheets but swapped them out because they were inconvenient to work with. The tail of the 1/2" makes a significantly larger pile than 7/16" line and the 7/16" is still very easy on the hands. It's also lighter so works better in light air conditions.

You really should have a minimum of three turns and preferably 4 after you take up the initial slack in the sheet, in any case. I normally cleat them off after the sheet is tensioned. Force of habit from my pre Self Tailing days.

If your sheets are old or stiff, line, like StaSet X, they won't work well in Self Tailing winches. The stiffness of the line makes them want to go straight instead of bending around the Jaws of the self tailer. Had to get ride of my StaSet X halyards because the line wouldn't stay in the jaws of my Anderson self tailing halyard winches.

Aloha
Peter Ogilvie
Pa'akai O'o, Pearson 35 #108
Too many Landrovers, some even run.


--- On Thu, 5/21/09, Bill Robart <wro...@gmail.com> wrote: