Wincher Self-Tailer Caps really work

I switched my genoa sheets to 1/2 line.

Wow, did that improve things.

Yesterday, I went solo with my genoa.

With lighter line (5/16), I always struggled when tacking.

Now, with three wraps around the winch, the line never binds.

Another plus is the self tailing caps really work.

The sheet nests itself up tight to the self-tailer to secure the sheet.

It works well with the winch handle also.

Releasing is easy. Just flip the line over the top and you can hold the sheet just before tacking.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=198461&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50045&subdeptNum=50124&classNum=50128 

Barton Marine Wincher Self-Tailers

For my Tanzer 22 winches, I used West Marine Model No, 545772;  
2 3/4 - 3 inch drum diameter; Manufacturers No. 21642

Tanzer 22 Upgrade: New Genoa Sheet Car Blocks

Genoa Car Blocks

This is something that has worked well.

My original Schaefer car blocks were worn out and binding. 42 years of use and weathering will do that.  I also disliked the friction clamp. It slips and sometimes is hard to free-up for adjustment.

A fellow Tanzer owner suggested these Garhauer blocks. They accommodate the 1/2 genoa sheets that work well with my Barton self-tailers. Also, the original Schaefer genoa lead car blocks are twice as expensive.( ~ $110 USD).

Because it uses a stop pin instead of friction, you will need to drill holes.

These are really positive locking: no slipping. They are also much easier to move.

I drilled 9/32 holes between the mounting screws to accommodate the 1/4 locking pin.

I was content with a stop hole halfway between each pair of mounting screws.

Some of you may want more more stops. Have fun!

Drilling the holes will be easier if you use a pilot hole and center punch.

A variable speed drill is recommended. Since you will be drilling metal, a slower speed is recommended. A little oil will also help.

-Center punch your hole locations.

-Then drill a 3/16 hole about 3/16 to 1/4 inch deep.

-Finish it off with a 9/32 inch hole until you get a a shoulder on the hole to stop the car.

Be sure to use a sharp drill as the drill will tend to wander off center.

Drill until you have a full diameter hole with a shoulder.

Drill a test hole at the end of your rail to see what works before drilling the remainder.

If you can’t keep the holes centered, go to a 5/16 drill.

You know it is deep enough when the car doesn’t jump over the stop hole.

In the photos, you will also see a self tailing winch cap.

You can get these from West Marine. (On another post.)

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I got the car blocks at Garhauer, here's the link: http://garhauermarine.com/catalog_process.cfm?cid=28

 Track Car Single Blocks30-40 US - Stainless Steel Lite Blocks 

length:	5-1/2	width:	3-1/2
weight:	12 oz.	shackle:

sheave diameter: 2-5/8

Fits 1" t-track

$56.00 USD

The Garhauer blocks are stainless steel and larger to accommodate 1/2 lines

 Drill holes just deep enough to make a shoulder and stop surface.

 On the Left is the original Shaefer block; Garhauer on right. You may want to keep you Schaefers for Spinnaker rigging. Both can be on the rails.
Note that the block stands taller on the rails. Hopefully rope burns on the gelcoat will be less likely.

 Switching to 1/2 genoa sheets keep the line from overlapping and binding.
The self-tailer really works as advertised with the 1/2 line.  The Barton self-tailer has helped me greatly when sailing solo in stronger winds. The sheet press upward on the self-tailing cap and holds as tightly as a jam cleat. West Marine sells them.

Half inch lines are also much easier on hands.  Three wraps and the tailer grabs. To release just unwrap one wrap-around.

Sailing on the Chesapeake May 1-5, 2014

Aaaarrrghh!  it’s getting closer to the date when we say good-bye to our families that we miss so much when off cruising.  This year we are down to a crew of six as two of our regular sailors will be absent. Interested sailors are welcome to fill the void.  Bring a joke to tell and a wallet full of cash. You will have a solid alibi.

Our crew from last year. 

There were two more, but we lost them somewhere on the bay.

Our sailing vessel:

http://www.annapolisbaycharters.net/boats/jeanneau53_auspicious.php 

Jeanneau 53

Auspicious on a close reach. Hull speed = 9.7 knots. 

Here is the Float Plan for you consideration. 

Sorry, you have no say on our destinations; but, you can select the taverns in which to carouse. All marina reservations have been made. Commemorative T-shirts have been ordered.

  

May 1, Thursday evening, Check and board “Auspicious”. Jeff arrives at the Airport.

Joe N, Joel, and Paul will be the Beer Committee this year. No cans, No lite beer.

We can work the very important details on future emails.

If we don’t forget, there will be a ceremony to remember those who cannot join us this year.  The arts and crafts committee will fabricate a wreath to toss in the deep currents of the Chesapeake. 

May 2, Friday,  (28 NM.) We sail from Annapolis. Bagels and Lox for breakfast, yes! From Annapolis, out the Severn River, we set a course to Baltimore Inner Harbor, up the Patapsco River to Harbor East Marina. The Marina is located near Little Italy and Mo’s Seafood Restaurant.  We stayed there a few years ago. Remember the crab cakes? http://www.mosseafood.com/crabandpasta 

http://www.harboreastmarina.com/

May 3, Saturday, (53 NM.) Auspicious quietly departs the Inner Harbor to St. Michaels. This is the long leg of our odyssey, 53 Nautical Miles or more depending on the winds and our point of sail.  Take your Dramamine, ladies. We tie off at Saint Michaels Marina. More crab cakes? More stories from Joe and Joe's past police work? 

http://www.stmichaelsmarina.com/

May 4, Sunday, (25 NM) Herrington Harbor South is the destination.

A easy trip up the Miles river, down Eastern Bay and across the Chesapeake.

We stayed at HH a few years ago and rated the facilities very highly. 

They have an on-site restaurant called “Mango’s” which I recall was very good.

We will let Joel apply his rating system.

http://www.herringtonharbour.com/south/

http://www.mangosonthebay.com/home.html

May 5, Monday, (20 NM) The shortest leg of the trip returns us back to Annapolis for pump-out and unloading.

We want to get back at the dock by 4 PM. ABC wants us back in the slip by 5 PM.

Please plan you departing flights accordingly.

Total travel is estimated at 126 Nautical Miles (or more.)

For the non-sailing literate that equals “a long way’ in statute miles.

A photo of Captain Stuckie's cabin.

Quiz: Improve your sailing knowledge

A sailor aboard a Marconi rigged sloop hits his head on the boom.

What is the remedy? Pick the best solution.

1) He should sit down,cry, and call his mommy.

2) He should wear sandals instead of high heels.

3) Shorten the topping lift, relieve the main sheet, and boom vang.

4) Relieve the boom vang, relieve the main sheet, and shorten the topping lift.

5) Wear a hard hat.

6) Drink one of Jeff’s Bloody Mary’s to kill the pain.

Captain Stuckie, 

"always in charge, always wrong"

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