I had the exact problem and it became maddening. In my opinion, a Size 6 winch on this boat is ok when the No. 3 is up, but too small for anything else (let's face it, it was designed for having the non-overlapping sail up most of the time in a S.F. breeze). Tacking the genoa and pulling in all that extra line around a small drum causes a loop to get thrown in and, often, we ended up with the sheet fouled around the teak base.

Eventually, I set a block with a stand-up cleat in front of the winch similar to the Lopez-type setup on a J-24 and I'd never go back. Here's a link to Harkens setup if you're unfamiliar with it http://www.harken.com/rigtips/j24.php (I use Lewmar 60mm rachets, though). During the tack, I stand up on the new leeward rail and overhaul the sheet like mad and then cleat it when it's in all the way. Then you can take your time loading the leeward winch or, as I prefer, cross-sheeting. I might post a picture of my jib-lead setup this weekend. Good luck.

Bob Doerr on 3/11/103 11:36 PM said:

>>Thanks for the input. I am assuming that my winches set up on the teak pads are the way they came from the factory. Am I incorrect? If that is the case why are they needed. I am asking this question while a couple of hours from my boat and unable to look at it. Did any of the boats come with the winches mounted to the coming and not atop teak pads?

>>The angle the sheets come to the winches does not seem too severe and is below the bottom rap. We normally only put on two turns before a tack and add another if needed. Usually we don''t unless the particular trimmer that day is not strong enough. Could it be that the lazy sheet is not loaded up enough? I do not think one would want it to have too much tension before the tack.

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