Hi, I have done a full survey and mechanical inspection on 1986 Freedom 36 today. I have at same time taken the opportunity to raise the sails. Self tacking jib with Camberspar Sail arrangement was reasonably easy to hoist and lower down. I guess with little practice I’d be able to do it easily. When it comes to main sail, completely different story. This is huge main sail with five full battens and big roach on it. I was raising the sail in the marina with little or no wind at all and i was with a friend. If it wasn’t for him I doubt i would have raised it myself alone?? It did not get stuck anywhere, it was simply too heavy and with four turns around the winch, rope still tended to skip on it?? I believe it is one of those fancy “high modulus” lines with low stretch but very slippery on winch. i could only imagine how difficult it would be for me to do it myself alone with 15 knots of wind even if i am dead into the wind?? I’ve seen suggestions of using battery powered drills and some other electrical tools to assist in hoisting the main. has anyone installed electric winch for this purpose or is it only myself finding the task of main sail hoisting exceptionally hard to do on this boat?
While track lubrication might help, it is a workout. I went with the right angle drill and winchbit fitting. I almost giggle it is so easy. Get about 4 hoists between recharges. One of the three best things I’ve ever added to the boat (can’t remember the other two).
Petar;
My children were very nice to me last year at my birthday. They figured that the old guy shouldn’t be pulling that rope that raises the main on my F-25, so thery bought me a nice new Milwakee right angle lithium battery powered Drill with the genuine Winch bit!!!
On the F-25 raising the main is very easy, I don’t need a winch. I can get it up with no effort even at my age. I haven’t used it since they went home.(Denver) I used it only once.
I would like to sell the outfit for $250.00 complete.
If your interested Call me at 516 782 6184 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 516 782 6184 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. I’m on LI NY
Harv,
I would like to buy that kit if possible. The sails on Fyne Spirit are hard work even for two.
You could contact me on ptpc@clear.net.nz to discuss.
Best regards,