Ok, Here goes at answering some of the answers: first thanks to all that posted in response to my question.
First the winch pad is aluminum, an original part of the mast, and welded. So getting any screw at the top and bottom where the mast radius intersects the straight line of the winch pad is impossible, pretty much requiring one to drill and tap at least those holes into the mast. There is probably less than a 1/16" behind the base in that area for screw length.
Do you really think drilling and tapping into the mast is a problem? For one thing its almost a 1/4 inch thick (.22) at this point. But it is a lot of work and tough to get the holes perpedicular to the winch base when using a hand drill and tap. Anyone with any empirical evidence on not drilling the mast? It gets drilled for
radar installations, lights, wire entrance holes???? Why not the winch mtg. holes?
As for leading everything to the cockpit, I agree that it may be safer and uncomfortable to go to the mast at times. However I side with old Nigel Calder on this one. It makes no sense to lead lines to the cockpit if you still have to go to the mast to reef the sail and put the ring of the cringle over the hook. You might as well do it all at the mast.
Peter: your point about a fair lead to the mast is an excellent one. I will have two big cheek blocks at the aft end of the boom leading the reefing line thru eyes to the forward end where a block picks up the lines and aims them pretty well at the winch. I am working on all the geometry now. I am hoping it will work the way it appears it will. I will put two
Lewmar rope clutches on the boom for those lines. (see my comment below)
To SF CL41: Hey its always great to hear from someone who has a Cheoy Lee! Your boom appears to be the Sitka Spruce version, mine is all aluminum from Yacht Spars of NZ and my boom has a pretty good radius on it and would require an aluminum winch base welded there...which I already have on the mast.
I looked at your web site, my God what an ordeal you had. But the boat looks great! By the way, was that
water coming out of the old
fuel tank that folks often seal up? It's just aft of the
keel but from the outside looks like part of the
keel. this tank is located just under the stuffing box and is about 50 gallons. Many people close it up and eventually water
leaks in. I'd love to e mail you about some features of our boats if you would like, mail me at:
alanperry@dslnorthwest.net I would love to hear from you.
WINCH SIZE:
Some of you recommended a Harken/Lewmar size 24-30...I have a
Lewmar 30 just sitting around the house but it just seems so small to handle the 9/16" jib halyard. I wonder if I could get enough wraps on it? I may try that one but I would hate to have to replace it and put more holes in for a bigger one later.??? Just checked the Lewmar catalog it recommends the 30ST up to
1/2" line only...mmmm. It also recommends the 48st for my size boat for the jib halyard. I was wondering what some of you were using in the real world?
On the other hand I could put that Lewmar 30 on the boom for the reefing lines and get another for the mast????
You all gave me alot to think over before I have to act on it...thanks
Alan Perry
S/V Oceanus
Seattle WA