Steve,

How Soon?? A hint, put off buying any but material unitl the boat is
threatening to float away. Two reasons - The gear keeps getting better,
and the warrantee starts when you buy it.

You don't give a hint where you are, but is there a Stricly Sail Show
http://www.sailamerica.com/boatshows_home.cfm
in striking distance?
If there is, you can tough and feel a lot of gear and get a bale of
catalogues.

Next thing of importance, try to make friends with a local chandler.
First fitout is a big huck of coin, and if someone came to my shop with
this issue, I sure would try to keep him from going web-shopping.

Matt Colie
Lifelong Waterman, Licensed Mariner and Perpetual Sailor

Steve G wrote:
I am building a boat which I will need to outfit with all of the deck
hardware soon. It's a 48' catamaran. I am very unfamiliar with all of the
hardware vendors and their endless selection! Any favorites out there for
Winches, Blocks, and Mainsheet Travelers????

Also, are there any large negatives from the following:

Buying good used winches?
Ending up with different manufactures of winches ( I need five on my boat
ranging from a 16ST, 30ST, 40ST, 50ST and a 52).
Can a used non self-tailing winch be fitting with something aftermarket for
Self Tailing? Do they work?

Any good resources (similar to consumer reports) for recommendations on
hardware?

Thanks,

Steve in Houston