01/15/2025
We’ve had some questions about how the winch drum line remains tensioned as it loads and unloads off the drum. I failed to post those pictures of how this particular boat is set up so here they are.
Of the two lines on the drum, one is the “load line” and the other is simply a line that keeps tension on the load line.
In these pictures, the load line comes directly off the drum and through the tube shown. Then through the bulkhead and out on to the deck where it goes directly to the turning block on the transom. From there, it returns back up the deck to the elastic O ring as shown.
The main sheet and jib sheet are tied to the load line at the O ring. So when sheeting the sails in, there is a solid connection between the winch drum and each boom.
The tension line leaves the drum and goes forward to a turning block which is tensioned via the spring shown. From there, it goes to the bulkhead exit tube and directly to the O ring.
Another question was asked, if I have the tensioning spring in use, why still use the O ring. The O ring isn’t really necessary but I find it’s kinder to the paint on the deck than a metal swivel.
Thanks for the questions everyone!
