'Easy to Handle' Bigger Boats

[bstreep]

Originally Posted by denverd0n

Exactly. With these kinds of modern aids a couple can handle a 50-footer pretty easily. Of course the obvious question is, what will that couple do if they are out in a serious blow and the power winch on that gigantic mainsail fails?

We've put it up manually - it's a chore, but certainly not impossible.

Bringing it down without the electric isn't much of a problem - the in-boom furler is all that's working. In a pinch, we can drop the main onto the deck, without the furler - something you can't do with in-mast furling.

[S&S]

Ours is 48' with no power anything (winches furlers etc). We frequently go out with two but it's more of where the lines are lead that determines the amount of "exercise" you get. Having large for the job, 2 speed winches is a real help. But hell, I'm just a kid (45). We too leave the sails on for the season- that's what sailcovers are for.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Joli

Mrs. Joli working on a rigging issue, second spreader, ~50 of the water. WS 15, BS 10, sea state 3 foot.

Good to see! I'll show that pic to Nic.




We have friends on a 60 footer all manual. He's 60 she is 40.

It wouldnt worry me at all if its been set up for short handed

[Jack Tar]

Ruth and I sail a Formosa 51. 59' LOA to big only in higher winds trying to dock. Everything else is fine. No bow thruster or power winches.

[Joli]

Mark, the best part is stepping on the button for the electric winch. No sweat, easy up, I've surged enough halyards in my day.

Oh, and the first time I took her to the top of the rig, right when she reached the top, the thought went through my mind " I wonder if she weighs more then the halyard tails"?

Looks like you guys are having fun. Keep on sailing.

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Good to see! I'll show that pic to Nic.




We have friends on a 60 footer all manual. He's 60 she is 40.

It wouldnt worry me at all if its been set up for short handed