2.4mR MkII Windlass System
Self-contained, portable, power-assisted sail sheeting system
The Mk II Windlass System may be quickly installed on any 2.4mR sloop. The Mk II Windlass uses a “clothesline” sheeting system, which allows the sailor to attach one or both sheets (self-tacking jib boom) to the clothesline “on demand.” Portable, weatherproof system components are intended for outdoor use in marine environment, and removed when not in use. The Windlass is controlled via either a large toggle switch on the DC Control Module, or through a Joystick Control Module to provide variable speed control.
MkII
Windlass is light (1 kg) and based on a powerful
(35 kg line tension) medical gearmotor (Faulhaber). The Windlass
Module mounts on the aft deck with two 1⁄4” fasteners,
and leads a “clothesline” up either the port or
starboard sidedeck as required. The two-speed winch drum sheets
from downwind to close-hauled in five seconds. The last 40cm
is sheeted at 33% speed to provide fine trim when close-hauled.
DC
Control Module may be located convenient to the sailor’s
hand, to provide “toggle switch” control of the
Windlass and Trim Winch Module
Remote
Control Pad (optional) may be fastened to the joystick
or slider, allowing the sailor to control the windlass without
letting go of the helm (requires thumb dexterity).
Joystick Control Module (optional) may be located
convenient to the sailor’s hand, to provide variable
speed control of the windlass and Trim Winch Module through
a wheelchair joystick.
8.0
or 13.0 AH Battery Module houses a high-technology
Pure Lead-Tin battery that delivers high current bursts for
the Windlass as well as provide power for an electric bilge
pump, providing from six to eight hours sailing time before
re-charging. The battery module is waterproof and can be located
behind the 2.4mR seat or in the bilge area. When not in use,
a compact battery charger keeps the battery ready for your
next sailing session.
Installing the 2.4mR MkII Windlass Components
Windlass components are portable and the installation of the Windlass is straightforward and does not require any permanent modifications to your 2.4mR. Since every 2.4mR may be rigged somewhat differently, however, specific locations of blocks and fittings must be worked out to meet the requirements of your rigging. The simplest installation is to place the Windlass module on the aft-deck, the control module on the control console, and the battery in the bilge or behind the seat. A Remote Control Pad (optional) may be fastened to the joystick or slider to allow control of the winch without letting go of the helm.
Windlass
mounts: Two 1⁄4” (or 6mm) inserts are
installed in each of the aft deck gunwales and epoxied in
place. When sailing, the Windlass is carried to the boat,
and installed in a couple of minutes using these two 1⁄4”
S.S. fasteners. The turning block for the clothesline is fastened
to either the port or starboard fastener as required.
Sheet
leads: The Windlass “clothesline” requires
both your jib sheet and mainsheet to be led ABOVE DECK, if
they are not already there. Three of four small blocks are
installed on the foredeck to lead the mainsheet and jib sheet
(self-tacking jib boom) to the clothesline ring on the side
deck. These blocks do not interfere with the normal, manual
sheeting of the sails.
Clothesline:
The clothesline may be led up the port or starboard side deck
as required by the location of your jib sheet. A length of
shock cord is installed in a run around the deck, in order
to keep the Windlass clothesline under tension throughout
its length of travel (2 metres).
