sail winch

[Jim Masson 1Participant @jimmasson1]

I am in the process of building my first scale sail model, a 1/32 scale Thames Barge (length about 800mm) and due to space available in the hull have decided a sail winch is probably a better option than a sail arm.

I've never used a winch before so would appreciate some advice. Given the choices available how do I decide on the torque I require and also there is a choice of 'turns' how do you determine which is best? Any hints as to setting-up greatly welcomed

[Jim Masson 1Participant @jimmasson1]

[Tony HadleyParticipant @tonyhadley]

Jim,

This may be of help, the set-up is a one metre racing yacht. The winch installation would be very similar.

**LINK**

[Malcolm FraryParticipant @malcolmfrary95515]

The winches sold by Howes and Component shop at remarkably low prices have 1" drums, so a 4 turn one gives about 15" of travel. This is governed by the transmitter, different makes/models/batches will vary a bit. Translating line travel to sail movement is largely a matter of tweaking the geometry of the relative positions of the boom fitting and the deck fitting. 6Kg is plenty for a Victoria (30" long, about 200sqin of sail, so the same should be OK on a barge, but for the extra quid or so, a bit of extra pull will do no harm.

When setting up, just make sure that the line has a nice straight run from its shroud outlet to wherever it vanishes into the hull structure. I use some nice braided line about 30Lb, but I've had it for years, the label has fallen off, and I can't remember its full name.

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