I just did a blog post about redoing my running rigging. Lines were already left, but I added some more. https://ericsonyachts.org/ie/ubs/running-rigging-redux.825/
I agree that it's a lot of work. If you have a dodger, the dodger becomes one of the central factors in planning location of the winches, rope clutches, and where the lines pass through the dodger.
Also, zipper access to the under deck is essential--especially if you're using butyl tape as a sealant. Butyl tape requires repeated re-tightening of the fasteners to squeeze out all the excess.. It probably took three rounds of tightening on the deck of organizers, and six on the winches, over a period of several weeks (or even months in cool weather).
If you're happy with lines led forward, it might save you a ton of time to keep it that way.
I will say I'm happy with my system though. I reefed sails several times last seasonal-all from the cockpit (singlehand, no wheel pilot). I only needed to go forward to add sail ties to the reefed bundles, and even then, not all the way forward to the mast.
I agree that it's a lot of work. If you have a dodger, the dodger becomes one of the central factors in planning location of the winches, rope clutches, and where the lines pass through the dodger.
Also, zipper access to the under deck is essential--especially if you're using butyl tape as a sealant. Butyl tape requires repeated re-tightening of the fasteners to squeeze out all the excess.. It probably took three rounds of tightening on the deck of organizers, and six on the winches, over a period of several weeks (or even months in cool weather).
If you're happy with lines led forward, it might save you a ton of time to keep it that way.
I will say I'm happy with my system though. I reefed sails several times last seasonal-all from the cockpit (singlehand, no wheel pilot). I only needed to go forward to add sail ties to the reefed bundles, and even then, not all the way forward to the mast.
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