In article .com,
wrote:

Dear Jere
Winches should not be used as attachment points for a drogue, I have
seen them torn out, something more substantial is required. see
designers notes at www.seriesdrogue.com
regards
Bryan


As I'd said, the primary winches on my boat are the strongest points --
that can be adjusted: wide base, well backed, designed for a couple of
thousand pound grinding, quite a bit higher shock loading.

Now, the cleats are all 4-bolt, through-bolted through solid deck and
backed -- you could probably pick our boat up with the primary or any
two others, but you can't easily haul lines in, only let them out.

Truth be told, I'd probably cleat off and lead to the winches, just in
case a cleat failed.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/