sailboat winch comparison chart

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Winch Comparisons

Use with caution -- some data is incorrect

Winch comperarison - Self-tailing models

Winch comparison - standard winches.

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Which Winch?

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Choosing a winch may appear to be a trial and error process. Unfortunately, winches tend to be rather expensive, meaning that this is probably not the best way to go about it. What you need to do is to decide what you want from a winch. This is based on a number of factors, including the type of boat that you have and the jobs for which you will use the winch. The one basic rule is that the larger a winch, the better it will function.

Comparison shopping for a winch (and we recommend that you do) can be a little confusing. This is largely because winch manufacturers love complicated mathematical formulas. The favorite is to use the "power ratio" of the winch as the basis of choice. Simply put, this is how many pounds of pulling power you will get from a winch for every pound of pressure that you put in. The formula is actually very simple:

(handle length/drum radius) x gear ratio = power ratio

Technically, this means that a winch with a 10:1 power ratio will produce 100 lbs. of pulling power for every 10 lbs. that you put in. In reality, this is only a rough guide. There are other things that need to be factored in, such as the number of turns in the line, the friction produced by the lead blocks, and the operation of the winch itself. However, as a basis of comparison, the ratio is useful.

Some manufacturers make size recommendations based on boat length. While this is useful, a better option is to consider the job it will do, if you can. For example, typically the larger the sail area that a winch will have to control on a sailboat boat, the larger the winch needed. There are also other factors to be considered. How many crew do you have? How big and experienced are they? Where do you intend to place your winches? What are you planning to use your winch for? What type of sailing are you going to be doing? If you have a power boat, what will you use the windlass for. Some mount winches simply to help pulling someone out of the water if they go over, others use winches for small steadying sails or for lifting dinghies. And then, there’s the eternal question: How much are you willing to spend?

When you're deciding on the correct size winch for controlling your headsails, use the sail area of the working jib or the 100% genoa. The smaller sail may seem like an odd choice, but bear in mind that it's used in heavier winds, so the sheets are subjected to higher loads. You can clearly see this by taking a look at the formula for load:

Load (lbs.) = SA x V2 x 0.00431

SA is the sail area, and V represents the apparent wind in knots. Therefore, a 300 sq. ft. sail set in 20 knots of wind will produce a load of 517 lbs. Using a 5:1 gear ratio winch with a 10" handle and a 4" diameter drum, you'd need to apply 21 lbs. of pressure to the winch to sheet in the sail. You may find that your boat's requirements fall between two sizes of winch. In this case, it is always better to step up to the bigger of the two, rather than making do with the smaller model. Even if your boat's requirements match a result, it's still always better to have more than less because you never know what’s going to happen at sea and what needs you'll have.

Winch Placement

Remember, every change of direction that a rope makes en route to the winch causes friction and reduces the effectiveness of the equipment. When placing winches, avoid twists and turns, while also making sure that the rope comes into the winch at the proper angle. This means that normally blocks and fairleads will be necessary. For genoas and heavier load lines, a turning block is needed to ensure the correct angle of entry to the winch. This should be between 3 degrees and 8 degrees below the winch's perpendicular axis. Ideally, the winch's output gear should be in line with the angle of entry. You will have to disassemble the winch to see this, but you can usually sight the entry angle fairly easily, without having to tear the equipment apart.

Winch Materials

Undoubtedly the best material for winches is stainless steel. It's strong and durable, but also expensive. The cheaper alternatives are anodized aluminum and chrome-plated bronze. Wire can damage both of these materials by rubbing the coating off. In addition, aluminum requires more upkeep and is particularly prone to corrosion and damage from impact and stress. Straight bronze is very good, weathering to a classic greenish color that appeals to traditionalists.

Single-Speed Winches

Normally direct drive with a gear ratio of 1:1 winches are perfect for halyards, cunninghams, or main and mizzen sheets on small and mid-size boats. It's better to buy one that ratchets, allowing you to crank the winch from both sides of the drum. This means that you can "push and pull" on the winch handle, rather than having to crank it through 360 degrees in one direction. This is particularly helpful if you are unable to brace yourself against something to get your whole body into the cranking process. It's less tiring too!

Two-Speed Winches

These are normally used as the primary sheeting winches and halyard winches on larger boats. With both a high and low gear, these winches allow you to crank in ropes quickly to start with, then more slowly in a lower gear as the grinding becomes difficult. Gear selection is made by reversing the cranking direction.

If you get the placement right, it is possible to use one winch for multiple purposes. This allows you to buy one winch rather than several. However, we recommend that you carefully consider the different demands on the winch to avoid the difficult situation of trying to use one winch for several lines at the same time!

Self-Tailing Winches

These winches are generally more expensive, but they're worth it. They allow one person to crank in without needing another person to tail, or without trying to do the difficult job of tailing while cranking. A lot of these winches are offered with spring-loaded, self-adjusting jaws that accept lines of different diameters.

Electric Winches

Larger boats may need a winch with a 40:1 power ratio or higher. In this scenario, you may be tempted to go for an electric model. Provided your craft is equipped to handle the 50-140 amp DC power drain, there shouldn't be a problem. 24v winches are available to reduce the power draw. If you do decide on an electric winch, it's important that it has a manual backup in case of failure. Some boats even have hydraulically powered winches. You can get electric winches with high and low gears.

Winch Handles

Despite 10" handles being the industry norm, primarily because of their comfort and the leverage they provide, you should consider an 8" handle for lighter conditions. Here, speed is more important than ultimate power, and an 8" handle allows for faster cranking. As you can see from the formula for power ratio, the length of your winch handle is important. If you find that you are getting insufficient power from a winch, try a longer handle before replacing the winch itself. Needless to say, this is a far cheaper option! A winch's power can also be increased if you use double-grip handles, allowing both arms to more easily grind the winch at the same time. We recommend that you use locking handles whenever possible to avoid losing them overboard.

Winch Maintenance

As with your rigging, winches need some looking after if they're going to remain at their best. Be sure to rinse them in freshwater and cover them after every use. In saltwater, even more care is needed. They should be disassembled, inspected, cleaned and lubricated at least once a season. For aluminum models, this should take place three or four times a season to prevent oxidation. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations as to maintenance and all other aspects of use of the winch.

Winch Selection Guide, from Lewmar.com

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The Offshore Voyaging Reference Site

• Offshore Sailboat Winches, Selection and Positioning

We have already published two chapters on offshore sailboat cockpits in our How To Buy a Cruising Boat Online Book, but even so there are still a bunch of selection criteria I have not covered, so let’s dig into winches, both those in the cockpit and generally.

Why It Matters

With offshore sailboats the devil is absolutely in the details and never more so than when we come to winch setup. A poorly-positioned winch:

• Can result in repeated injuries, particularly to shoulders, neck and back.
• Will force the crew into an awkward position so they can exert far less force on the handle than they would be able to otherwise.
• This in turn can require the installation of electric winches, with all of the associated expense and potential dangers.
• Can encourage crew members to adopt unsafe positions, often outside of the cockpit and in the way of the boom.

Given that, let’s look at how to identify boats with winches done right:

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Winches: Ratios and Reality

When comparing winches, its important to understand how input and output interface. The winch handle is a rotary lever that is the first stage of power amplification. The ratio of drum radius-to-handle length is the first force multiplier. An 8-inch handle and a 2-inch radius drum, therefore, deliver a 4-to-1 boost in pulling power and a 4-to-1 decrease in line-hauling speed.

When you switch to a 10-inch handle, the ratios are 5-to-1, giving you a 20-percent increase in power. Add a double grip to the longer handle, and a crewmember who normally would revert to counter-rotation (low gear) when the torque was around 25 pounds, now delivers 40 pounds of input into the winch at both the high- and low-gear ratios. In short, the simplest and most cost-effective power upgrade is a longer, double-grip handle.

Once you have the right handle, you should look at gear ratio, and then to power ratio. A gear ratio of 1:1 means one turn of the handle equals one turn of the drum. In this case, the only extra pulling power is derived from the lever effect of the winch handle. The purpose of gears in a winch is an equivalent to sprockets on the hill-climbing road bike; sprockets allow the rider to deliver more power to the back wheel, with less effort. A transmission does the same in a car.

Theres no free lunch here. However, rotary energy going in can be reapportioned via a gear train to increase pulling power, but this slows the recovery rate. The opposite is also possible. In a perfectly friction-less world, if you put 30 pounds of force into the winch handle (a 4:1 lever), on a winch with a 7:1 gear ratio in low gear, the output pulling power is 4 x 7 x 30 = 840 pounds. If you do the same on the Pontos four-speed Trimmer with an 18.6:1 low gear, the equation is 4 x 18.6 x 30 = 2,232 pounds.

On a new or well-maintained winch, friction losses account for 10-percent loss of efficiency when operating in the mid-range loads. The efficiency drops off a bit as the winch approaches its maximum load-handling capacity; bearings start to bind, and the spindle starts to tilt. If overloading occurs, however, it can permanently deform key parts inside the winch, and its efficiency decreases precipitously. This is why cruising sailors should not opt for smaller winches, even though they are not racing.

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Choosing Winches

Winches are generally pretty durable with a good long lifetime ahead. Eventually, however, you may have reason to change them out.  Perhaps you would like self-tailing or your old winches came from a manufacturer who is no longer in business and parts supply is an issue. Or maybe you want to add another winch for a new function or would like to electrify a manual winch. Whatever the reason, there are a few things to consider when choosing a new winch including size, self-tailing or not, material and fit.

The first thing to do is to size the new winch. You will find an excellent sizing guide in the Harken catalog or below.

Note that the first column (genoa sheet winch - or "Primary" winch as it is often called), sizes the winch based on the 100% foretriangle area of the boat. Many people want to size based on their biggest genoa, but it's when the wind is blowing and we are using reduced sail that the max load is seen by the winch and the max power is required.

Self-Tailing Top (or Not)

Once you know what size winch you need, the next likely decision is whether it should be self-tailing or not. In this day and age, for most people and most functions, self-tailing would be the first choice. In the case of Harken winches, the smallest self-tailing winch is the 15. Anything smaller than the 15 will not be self-tailing. One thing that is important in regard to self-tailers is the line size and type of line. Using very hard high-tech line will require a lot of turns and might not grip well in the jaws. Remember that the jaws want to press the line into a triangular shape to grip it. If you use line that is too big, you might damage the jaws. This is common when people put large diameter line around a winch. Look at the max line size for your chosen winch and don't exceed it. Large diameter line doesn't like going around corners and will show more resistance than thinner diameters. Usually you wouldn't want self-tailing winch tops for primary winches on a racing boat where casting off the rope into a tack is easier without.

Drum Material/Finish

Anodized alloy (usually grey or black) is popular and is highly durable, light, and generally more cost effective than other finishes. The second obvious option would be a chrome finish. This is extremely popular on cruising boats and is very attractive. The drum is commonly made from bronze which is then chromed. This results in a durable finish, but a heavier winch and a larger investment. It's worth considering the grip on the winch drum. This will either be a surface grip (where the surface is roughened in some manner) or a form grip (where the actual shape of the drum provides the grip). The form grip is likely to be kinder to your lines. In the case of the Harken Radial winches, the grip is shaped to drive the line towards the bottom of the drum when easing which will help prevent overrides. Performa winches have sandblasted surface grip drums optimized for halyard and sheeting applications using small-diameter, high-tech line. There are other finishes available, such as all-bronze or stainless steel, but these are much less common and will be considerably more expensive and time intensive to maintain.

Once you've made that selection, you are ready to choose your winch. Make sure you have checked that the winch will fit onto the chosen area using the correct dimensions. If you have questions regarding Harken winches, please contact us at 262-691-3320. If you would like to link to or reprint this article please contact  [email protected]

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Sailboat Winch Size Calculator

Sailboat winch size depends on boat length and intended use. For boats up to 20 feet, 6-16 size winches are typical for halyards and jib sheets. Boats in the 20-30-foot range often use 16-32 size winches for main and genoa sheets. Larger boats may require 32-60+ size winches for more complex rigging needs.

How do you know what size winch for a sailboat? The size of the winch you need for a sailboat depends on various factors, including the boat’s size, sail area, and the loads you expect to encounter. As a rough estimation, for a small sailboat (20-30 feet), consider winches in the 16-32 size range. Larger boats may require larger winches.

How many winches does a sailboat need? The number of winches on a sailboat depends on its size and rigging. Small boats may have 1-2 winches, while larger boats can have 4 or more. Generally, there should be enough winches to handle the sails and other critical functions effectively.

Why are sailing winches so expensive? Sailing winches are precision-engineered, durable, and often made of high-quality materials like stainless steel. Their design ensures they can handle heavy loads and withstand the harsh marine environment, which adds to the cost.

How much weight can a sailboat winch pull? The weight a sailboat winch can pull varies widely based on its size and design. A smaller winch might handle 500-1,000 pounds, while larger ones can handle 2,000-10,000 pounds or more.

Can you have too big of a winch? Yes, you can have a winch that is too big for your boat’s needs. Oversized winches may be unnecessary and can add unnecessary weight and cost. It’s essential to choose winches that match the loads you expect to encounter.

How much weight can a 3000 lb winch pull? A 3,000 lb winch can typically pull loads in the range of 2,500-3,000 pounds.

How much can a 5000 lb winch pull? A 5,000 lb winch can typically pull loads in the range of 4,000-5,000 pounds.

How big a sailboat can one person handle? One person can handle sailboats up to about 30 feet in length, depending on their experience and skill level. Beyond this size, it becomes more challenging for a single person to manage all aspects of sailing safely.

What are the different types of sailboat winches? Common types of sailboat winches include self-tailing, non-self-tailing, electric, and hydraulic winches. Self-tailing winches are popular for ease of use, while electric and hydraulic winches offer power assistance.

How much power do I need on a sailboat? The power requirements on a sailboat depend on your equipment, such as navigation electronics, lighting, and accessories. A typical cruising sailboat might need 200-500 amp-hours of battery capacity for a day’s use.

Who makes the best sailboat winches? Several reputable manufacturers produce quality sailboat winches, including Harken, Lewmar, and Andersen. The “best” brand may depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Is steel or synthetic better for winch? Synthetic winch rope is often preferred over steel cable due to its lightweight, safety, and ease of handling. However, steel cable may be preferred in specific applications where durability and high abrasion resistance are crucial.

How do I choose a boat winch? To choose a boat winch, consider your boat’s size, intended use, load requirements, and personal preferences. Consult with experts or read manufacturer guidelines for specific recommendations.

What is a sailing winch called? A sailing winch is commonly referred to simply as a “winch.”

How much will a 2000 lb winch pull? A 2,000 lb winch can typically pull loads in the range of 1,500-2,000 pounds.

Can you tow a 30 ft sailboat? Towing a 30-foot sailboat is possible but should be done with caution and using an appropriately sized towboat or tug. The weight of the sailboat and the conditions will determine the feasibility.

Do I really need a 12,000 lb winch? A 12,000 lb winch is substantial and may be necessary for larger boats or specific applications. It’s essential to match the winch size to your boat’s needs.

What size winch for a 6,000 lb boat? For a 6,000 lb boat, consider a winch in the 4,000-6,000 lb pulling capacity range.

Do I need a bigger battery for a winch? A larger battery or a dedicated deep-cycle battery is recommended for powering an electric winch, especially if you plan to use it frequently. The battery size should match the winch’s power requirements.

Should winch pull from top or bottom? The winch should typically pull from the bottom to maintain proper line angle and reduce friction. However, the configuration may vary based on the specific application and winch design.

What should you not do with a winch? Avoid overloading a winch, using damaged or frayed lines, and not properly maintaining it. Additionally, never put your hands or body near the winch while it’s in operation.

What weight rating winch do I need? The winch weight rating you need depends on the loads you expect to encounter. For sailboats, choose winches that can handle the loads of your sails and other critical functions.

What happens if you overload a winch? Overloading a winch can damage the winch itself, snap the line, or create a safety hazard. It’s essential to use a winch within its rated capacity.

How strong is a 12,000 pound winch? A 12,000 pound winch can typically exert a pulling force of up to 12,000 pounds, but factors like line angle and friction can affect its actual performance.

How do you triple the pulling power of a winch? You can effectively triple the pulling power of a winch by using a pulley block (snatch block) to change the line’s direction. This increases mechanical advantage but reduces speed.

How much can an 8,000 lb winch pull? An 8,000 lb winch can typically pull loads in the range of 6,000-8,000 pounds.

How much can a 9,500 lb winch pull? A 9,500 lb winch can typically pull loads in the range of 7,500-9,500 pounds.

Can a 30-foot sailboat cross the Atlantic? Yes, a 30-foot sailboat can cross the Atlantic, but it requires careful planning, adequate equipment, and experienced sailors to undertake such a long and challenging voyage.

What is a good size sailboat to live on? A good size sailboat to live on depends on your preferences and needs. Many liveaboards find boats in the 30-45 foot range to be comfortable for extended living aboard.

What is a one person sailboat called? A one-person sailboat is often referred to as a “dinghy” or a “single-handed sailboat.”

Is a mooring winch and windlass the same? No, a mooring winch and windlass are not the same. A windlass is typically used for handling anchor and anchor rode, while a mooring winch is used for securing a boat to a mooring buoy or dock.

What simple machine makes sailboats easier to sail? The sailboat’s sail and keel configuration, along with the principles of lift and aerodynamics, make sailboats easier to sail. Sails harness the wind’s energy, while the keel provides stability.

Which boat winch is best? The best boat winch depends on your specific needs and preferences. Reputable brands like Harken, Lewmar, and Andersen offer a range of high-quality winches.

What is the ideal wind speed for a sailboat? The ideal wind speed for sailing varies depending on the boat’s size, type, and sailor’s experience. Generally, most sailboats start to move well in wind speeds of 5-12 knots.

What is a lot of hours for a sailboat engine? A sailboat engine with 3,000-4,000 hours is often considered to have a lot of hours. However, regular maintenance and proper care can extend its lifespan.

How do I know if my sailboat is overpowered? A sailboat is considered overpowered when its sails are too large for its size and design, making it challenging to control in strong winds. Signs include excessive heel and difficulty maintaining course.

Are hydraulic winches better than electric? Hydraulic winches offer high power and durability but are often more expensive and complex to install than electric winches. The choice depends on your specific needs and budget.

How much does it cost to install an electric winch on a sailboat? The cost to install an electric winch on a sailboat varies widely based on the winch’s size, complexity, and labor rates. It can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

What is the best lubricant for sailboat winches? Marine-grade grease or winch-specific lubricants are suitable for sailboat winches. They offer protection against corrosion and ensure smooth operation.

Why put cloth over winch? Cloth covers are used to protect winches from UV exposure, salt, and debris, extending their lifespan and maintaining smooth operation.

What are the disadvantages of synthetic winch rope? Synthetic winch rope can be vulnerable to UV damage and abrasion. It may require more frequent inspection and replacement compared to steel cable.

What size winch should I get for my boat? The size of the winch you need for your boat depends on various factors, including boat size, sail area, and expected loads. Consult with a professional or refer to manufacturer guidelines for specific recommendations.

What does the number on a sailboat winch mean? The number on a sailboat winch corresponds to its size and power rating. For example, a winch labeled “40” is typically larger and more powerful than a “16” winch.

How do you wrap a winch when sailing? Properly wrapping a winch involves making turns with the line that lead to maximum friction on the drum. It’s important to maintain even tension and avoid overlaps to ensure a secure grip.

How many winches does a sailboat have? The number of winches on a sailboat varies based on its size and rigging complexity. Small boats may have 1-2 winches, while larger boats can have 4 or more for various functions.

How much can a 5,000 lb winch pull? A 5,000 lb winch can typically pull loads in the range of 4,000-5,000 pounds.

How much weight can a 3,000 lb winch pull? A 3,000 lb winch can typically pull loads in the range of 2,500-3,000 pounds.

What size battery do I need for a 2,000 lb winch? For a 2,000 lb winch, a deep-cycle marine battery with a capacity of at least 100-200 amp-hours is recommended for reliable operation.

Can you sail a 40-foot sailboat alone? Sailing a 40-foot sailboat alone is possible but challenging. It requires advanced sailing skills and the use of technology like autopilots to assist with single-handed operation.

Can one person sail a 35-foot sailboat? Yes, one person can sail a 35-foot sailboat, but it depends on the sailor’s experience and the boat’s equipment. Some 35-footers are designed for single-handed sailing.

Can a 40-foot sailboat tip over? A 40-foot sailboat can capsize or heel excessively in strong winds or adverse conditions if not properly handled. However, modern sailboats are designed with stability in mind to reduce the risk.

How much weight can a 12,000 lb winch pull? A 12,000 lb winch can typically pull loads in the range of 10,000-12,000 pounds.

What size cable do I need for a 12,000 lb winch? The cable size for a 12,000 lb winch depends on factors like the winch type and application. Consult the winch manufacturer’s recommendations for cable size.

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Best Sailboat Winches of 2024

Boats are extraordinary vessels that allow us to truly connect to nature. But they live in harsh environments and many of their components have to take enormous loads just to sail. Winches are one of the key parts of a boat that take the strain so it’s important that you choose the best sailboat winches for you.

Just by closing your eyes it’s easy to feel the wind on your face as your sailboat begins to heel over. As the sails catch the wind and the boat accelerates forward, it’s time to ease the sheets a little. This is where the winch takes over. Weak, undersized or seized winches can spell disaster. If yours are getting old, it could well be time to replace them.

We’ll help you sort out what’s good, what’s not, and what the difference is. Keep reading to find your perfect sailboat winches.

For more of our top sailing gear recommendations, check out the Best Sailboat Anchors .

QUICK ANSWER – THE BEST SAILBOAT WINCHES

• Lewmar Two-Speed
• Harken Radial
• Andersen Two-Speed
• Harken Two-Speed
• Lewmar Evolution Electric
• Antal Two-Speed
• Lewmar Two-Speed Non-Self-Tailing
• Andersen One-Speed
• Lewmar One-Speed
• Harken Single Speed

SAILBOAT WINCH REVIEWS

Lewmar two-speed.

Check out the latest price on: Amazon

BEST FOR: Lightweight primary winches

SELF-TAILING: Yes

MATERIAL: Anodized aluminum

PROS: Lightweight for those who want to keep weight down, sleek in black, long warranty, very simple to take apart and put back together for maintenance

CONS: Not as hard-wearing as bronze, black winch gets very hot in the tropics

HARKEN RADIAL

BEST FOR: Heavily used primary winches

MATERIAL: Chromed bronze

PROS: Very durable and long-lasting, easy to maintain and take apart, upgrade/convert to electric with ease, grippy surface lessens friction

CONS: Quite pricey, short warranty, much heavier than the Lewmar Two-Speed

ANDERSEN TWO-SPEED

Check out the latest price on:

BEST FOR: Primary winches looking to impress

MATERIAL: Stainless Steel

PROS: Extremely beautiful to look at, lightweight, durable

CONS: You’re paying extra for the impressive full stainless steel look, not as durable as bronze

HARKEN TWO-SPEED

BEST FOR: Primary winches using different size lines

PROS: Spring-loaded self-tailing jaw secures different size ropes, shaped drum holds rope without friction, very simple to maintain and put back together, easy to mount, lightweight, convertible to electric

CONS: Very expensive for added extras that may not be necessary

LEWMAR EVOLUTION ELECTRIC

BEST FOR: Older sailors wanting easy-to-use primary winches

PROS: Easy to install below-deck motor, choice of finishes in alloy black or chrome, long warranty

CONS: Quite heavy including the motor, pricey if you don’t absolutely need electric

ANTAL TWO-SPEED

BEST FOR: Hard-wearing primary winches

PROS: Very durable in chromed bronze, reasonably light for bronze, spring-loaded jaws to take different size ropes, easy to maintain

CONS: Paying extra for chromed look yet still lacks the wow factor of Andersen’s full stainless steel winches, short warranty

LEWMAR TWO-SPEED NON-SELF-TAILING

BEST FOR: On-mast or racing winches

SELF-TAILING: No

PROS: Bronze construction offers exceptional longevity and durability, grippy drum, two speed offers greater flexibility for use

CONS: A little pricey for non-self-tailing although great materials, short warranty

ANDERSEN ONE-SPEED

BEST FOR: Eye-catching racing and on-mast winches

PROS: Looks incredible, smooth drum allows rope to pass easily, easy adjust sheets while racing, aluminum and bronze plates inside for extra durability, great price

CONS: Short warranty, some sailors will prefer a grippy or shaped drum as opposed to smooth

LEWMAR ONE-SPEED

BEST FOR: Bargain on-mast or racing winches

PROS: Very affordable, good for older yachts with on-mast winches, excellent Lewmar construction

CONS: Not as hardwearing as Lewmar’s bronze version, short warranty

HARKEN SINGLE-SPEED

BEST FOR: Primary winches for smaller sail areas

PROS: Great price for a self-tailer, radial drum gives grip on rope with needing friction, very easy to maintain and put back together, spring-loaded jaws for holding different size ropes

CONS: One-speed is ideal for smaller sail areas but you may struggle with larger sails, lightweight but not as durable for primary winches as bronze

COMPARISON TABLE – THE BEST SAILBOAT WINCHES

How to choose the best sailboat winches, 1. how many winches do you need.

Well made winches can last for many decades but can need replacing for several reasons. Winch technology has moved on and you may want to replace non-self-tailing winches for self-tailing ones. Or your winches may simply be corroding or weakening through age.

It’s often easy to find out how many winches you need by simply counting the existing ones on your sailboat. Rarely used winches may be in much better condition than the same age highly used winches. This allows you to retain rarely used old winches and put the saved money into buying better quality new winches. While that liveaboard boat you hung out on may have had ten winches, chances are, a small yacht will only have two to seven.

Knowing how many winches you need allows you to stick to your budget more closely. You probably won’t need every winch to be the same either. With self-tailing winches ideal for cockpit primary winches, winches on the mast often don’t need to be self-tailing. Further savings can be made from understanding what type of winches you need.

2. DO YOU WANT SELF-TAILING WINCHES?

For short-handed sailors, self-tailing winches are all but essential. In fact, having primary self-tailing winches regardless of your crew size will make the cruising sailboat an easy place to be. Of course, if you have a really big yacht, you can use two-way radios to give winchman instructions!

On sailboats where some lines are lead back to the mast and not to the cockpit (i.e. many older sailboats), you don’t need self-tailing winches on the mast. Often you can just get away with a non-self-tailing winch and a cleat nearby.

Sheet winches should ideally be self-tailing while halyard winches can be non-self-tailing.

Winches give you leverage with which to pull in the sails but in particularly strong winds or racing conditions, extra leverage is required. Geared winches provide this extra leverage. With one to four gears, geared winches are also excellent for taking the load for hobby sailors, older sailors and even enthusiastic children!

For an ordinary cruising sailboat (even those who do a spot of club racing), you’ll be choosing between one-speed and two-speed geared and non-geared winches. Three- and four-speed winches are only used by powerful racing boats.

One-speed winches that aren’t geared are the cheapest type of winch and only suitable for small sailboats or as on-mast winches.Each turn of the winch handle equals one turn of the drum, making these unsuitable for large loads.

Geared one-speed winches offer greater mechanical leverage and the handle is ratcheted when turning in the opposite direction. This gives you more power for less movement when cranking up that sail to windward.

Two-speed winches allow the handle to travel in either direction at different speeds. This is great for fast winching with one speed and then switching winching direction for a lower speed as the sail comes in. Two-speed winches typically are geared in one direction and not in the other.

Geared two-speed winches are the same except they are geared in both directions. For the average cruising sailboat or daysailor, geared two-speed primary cockpit winches are the best option. This is especially true for single- or double-handed sailing.

4. MATERIAL

Winches come in different materials. The differences are primarily based on weight, quality, and price.

ANODIZED ALUMINUM

Super lightweight and affordable, anodized aluminum winches are a popular choice on sailboats.

CHROMED BRONZE

Bronze is extremely hardwearing, making it a good choice on sailboats. Bronze was the traditional material for winches but it looks outdated on modern yachts. Chromed bronze makes the most of the durable bronze but adds a modern look with a chrome outer layer. These are pricey but excellent winches.

STAINLESS STEEL

If you’re looking for the best and most durable winches, stainless steel is the way to go. It also looks great and it’s extremely strong. If you look after your stainless steel winches, you may never need to replace them.

Composite boat parts are increasing every year although many traditional sailors prefer metal. Composites are actually very strong, very durable and are impervious to corrosion. The main composite material used in winches (and seacocks) is Marelon. Expensive, but you’ll probably never need to replace them.

5. ELECTRIC WINCHES

Manual winches work by human strength combined with mechanical leverage. For small sailboats, the average sailor will be perfectly happy with manual winches. However, electric winches are becoming more popular and can certainly be of benefit.

Electric winches have a motor placed above-deck or below-deck. Using buttons, electric winches grind the rope for you and some will even release it for you as well.

The main downside of electric winches is their power consumption. As a sailor, you obviously don’t want to be forced to run your engine often just to charge the batteries for your winches! Always check your house battery capacity and work out how much power the winches will use on your typical sailing trips.

Electric winches also have the capacity to act as manual winches in combination with a standard winch handle. This is important because if your batteries or electrical system fails, it’s imperative that you are able to still operate your winches if you’re under sail.

CONVERSION OPTION

Some sailors want manual winches but would like to have the option to convert those winches to electric. Winches can last many decades and as sailors age, having the option of electric conversion can be reassuring.

Size is another important consideration and is based on boat size and sail area. You can often determine your winch size merely by your existing winches but the main providers also provide charts. Lewmar winch size chart is an excellent resource as is the Harken winch size guide .

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Winches & Accessories

Chart based on published power ratios *Applies only to Harken Classic (not Radial) **No direct comparison

Sorry, we don't carry Barient or Barlow spare parts - please visit the Australian Yacht Winch Co. for these items.

PRODUCT REVIEW: HARKEN RADIAL WINCHES By David Schmidt, Sail Magazine

Harken made a big announcement at the 2009 U.S. Sailboat Show at Annapolis: A new line of winches, called the Radials. But unlike other "new" winches that are merely a 2.0 version of an existing product, Harken literally started with a blank sheet of paper and built from the ground up. The resulting winches are lighter, more efficient, safer, easier to install, and easier to upgrade to powered units than any other winch available on the market.

One of the great features of the new Radials is how easy they are to convert into powered units.

Another great feature of the Radials is how quick and easy it is to open the winches up for servicing. Simply remove the winch’s top and all parts lift out as a single unit, making servicing and reinstallation a snap. Harken also considered the boatbuilding trade when designing the new winches, as Radials are far simpler to install than previous winches.

But perhaps most interesting about the Radials is how easy it to retrofit these manual winches into a powered unit. Harken makes a motor drive that fits onto the bottom of the Radials, allowing an owner to upgrade to powered winches far easier than with previous designs.

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• Thread starter ChangsinLattitudes
• Start date May 6, 2014
• Catalina Owner Forums
• Catalina 30

ChangsinLattitudes

Found a good deal on some Barlow #19 self tailing winches. Got a C-30 w/a 150% genny, currently have non self tailing lewmar's. I forget the size. I heard Barlows sizing is different. Would these be a good fit for primary winches or too small? Thanks.  

Sent you a pm.  

Winch I have Lewmar 40 St. They are standard equipment and I would not use anything less. PS. Just cleaned and greased all 4 winches. After 18 seasons they work like new. First time and it wasn't a big deal. Lewmar offers online videos how to on their sight.  

Winch sizing from my approximate cross reference guide says Barlow = Harken/Lewmar 16 = 8 19 = 16 23 = 30 24 = 40 The primary on my 77 Catalina 30 was Barlow 23 or Lewmar 30 and they were a little on the small side. I would agree with Bobcat and say that Barlow 19’s would be too small for the primaries, would work for secondaries fine though.  

Thats really helpful, thank you all for the replies.  

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Barient Winches

It has been over a decade since Barient winches stopped being manufactured. Do you still have them in your boat but are ready to change them? Take a look at the equivalent size chart we set up so you can replace your old Barient winches for your preferred brand.

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Classic Ropes

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• Classic Control Lines
• Classic Docklines
• Classic Halyards
• Classic Sheets
• LIROS Classic 3 Strand Polyester

50 / 100 metre Rates - Running Rigging

• 50 / 100 metres - Cruising Ropes
• 50 / 100 metres - Dinghy Ropes
• 50 / 100 metres - Lashing and Lanyards
• 50 / 100 metres - Performance Ropes
• LIROS Ropes
• Marlow Ropes

Running Rigging Resources

• Running Rigging Rope Fibres and Construction Explained
• How to Select a Suitable Halyard Rope
• How to select Sheets and Guys
• Dyneema Rope - Cruising and Racing Comparison
• Dinghy Rope Selection Guide
• Rope Measurement Information
• Running Rigging - LIROS Recommended Line Diameters
• Running Rigging Break Load Comparison Chart
• Colour Coding for Running Rigging
• Selecting the right type of block, plain, roller or ball bearing
• Replacing your Furling Line
• Recycling Rope
• Running Rigging Glossary

Custom Build Instructions for Sheets, Halyards, Control Lines

Low friction rings, plain bearing blocks.

• Barton Blocks
• Harken Element Blocks
• Seasure 25mm Blocks
• Selden Yacht Blocks

Wooden Blocks

Ball bearing blocks.

• Barton Ball Bearing Blocks
• Harken Ball Bearing Blocks
• Holt Dynamic Blocks
• Selden Ball Bearing Blocks

Ratchet Blocks

• Harken Ratchet Blocks
• Selden Ratchet Blocks

Roller Bearing Blocks

• Harken Black Magic Blocks
• Selden Roller Bearing Blocks

Clutches and Organisers

• Barton Clutches and Organisers
• Lewmar Clutches
• Spinlock Clutches and Organisers

Genoa Car Systems

• Barton Genoa Sheeting
• Harken Genoa Systems
• Lewmar HTX Genoa Systems

Traveller Systems

• Barton Traveller Systems
• Harken Traveller Systems

Deck Fittings

• Bungs and Hatches
• Bushes and Fairleads
• Deck Eyes, Straps and Hooks
• Pad Eyes, U Bolts and Eye Bolts

Rudder and Transom Fittings

• Pintles and Gudgeons
• Tiller Extensions and Joints

Stanchion Blocks and Fairleads

Snatch blocks.

• Barton K Cam Cleats
• Harken Ball Bearing Cam Cleats
• Holt Cam Cleats
• Selden Cam Cleats
• Spinlock PXR Cleats

Block and Tackle Purchase Systems

• Barton Winches, Snubbers and Winchers
• Coastline Electric Winch Accessories
• Harken Winches, Handles and Accessories
• Karver Winches
• Lewmar Winches, Handles and Accessories
• Winch Servicing and Accessories

Deck Hardware Support

• Blocks and Pulleys Selection Guide
• Barton High Load Eyes
• Dyneema Low Friction Rings Comparison
• Seldén Block Selection Guide
• Barton Track Selection Guide
• Barton Traveller Systems Selection Guide
• Harken Winch Selection Guide
• Karver Winch Comparison Chart
• Lewmar Winch Selection Guide - PDF
• Winch Servicing Guide

Sailing Flags

• Courtesy Flags
• Red Ensigns
• Blue Ensigns
• Flag Accessories
• Flag Staffs and Sockets
• Flag Making and Repair
• Signal Code Flags
• Galvanised Shackles
• Stainless Steel Shackles
• Titanium Shackles
• Webbing only
• Webbing Restraint Straps
• Webbing Sail Ties
• Webbing Soft Shackles

Hatches and Portlights

Sail care and repair.

• Sail Sewing

Maintenance

• Antifouling
• Fillers and Sealants
• Primers and Thinners
• PROtect Tape

Fixings and Fastenings

• Monel Rivets
• Screws, Bolts, Nuts and Washers
• U Bolts, Eye Bolts and Pad Eyes

Splicing Accessories

• Fids and Tools
• Knives and Scissors

General Chandlery

• Barrier Ropes
• Canvas Bags and Accessories
• Carabiners and Hooks
• Netting and Accessories
• Rope Ladders

Seago Boats and Tenders

Chandlery information, flag articles.

• Flag Size Guide
• Bending and Hoisting Methods for Sailing Flags
• Courtesy Flags Identification, Labelling and Stowage
• Courtesy Flag Map
• Flag Etiquette and Information
• Glossary of Flag Terms and Parts of a Flag
• Making and Repairing Flags
• Signal Code Message Definitions

Other Chandlery Articles

• Anchorplait Splicing Instructions
• Antifoul Coverage Information
• Hawk Wind Indicator Selection Guide
• Petersen Stainless - Upset Forging Information
• Speedy Stitcher Sewing Instructions
• Thimble Dimensions and Compatible Shackles

Jackstays and Jacklines

• Webbing Jackstays
• Stainless Steel Wire Jackstay Lifelines
• Fibre Jackstay Lifelines
• Jackstay and Lifeline Accessories

Safety Lines

Lifejackets.

• Children's Life Jackets
• Crewsaver Lifejackets
• Seago Lifejackets
• Spinlock Lifejackets

Buoyancy Aids

Life jackets accessories.

• Lifejacket Lights
• Lifejacket Rearming Kits
• Lifejacket Spray Hoods

Overboard Recovery

• Lifebuoy Accessories
• Purchase Systems
• Slings and Throwlines

Floating Rope

• LIROS Multifilament White Polypropylene
• LIROS Yellow Floating Safety Rope
• Danbuoy Accessories
• Jimmy Green Danbuoys
• Jonbuoy Danbuoys
• Seago Danbuoys
• Liferaft Accessories
• Seago Liferafts

Safety Accessories

• Fire Safety
• Grab Bag Contents
• Grab Bags and Polybottles
• Handheld VHF Radios
• Sea Anchors and Drogues

Safety Resources

• Guard Wires - Inspection and Replacement Guidance
• Guard Wire Stud Terminal Dimensions
• Webbing Jackstays Guidance
• Webbing Jackstays - Custom Build Instructions
• Danbuoy Selection Guide
• Danbuoy Instructions - 3 piece Telescopic - Offshore
• Liferaft Selection Guide
• Liferaft Servicing
• Man Overboard Equipment - World Sailing Compliance
• Marine Safety Information Links
• Safety Marine Equipment List for UK Pleasure Vessels

Sailing Clothing

• Sailing Jackets
• Sailing Trousers
• Thermal Layers

Leisure Wear

• Accessories
• Rain Jackets
• Sweatshirts

Sailing Footwear

• Dinghy Boots and Shoes
• Sailing Wellies

Leisure Footwear

• Walking Shoes

Sailing Accessories

• Sailing Bags and Holdalls
• Sailing Gloves
• Sailing Kneepads

Clothing Clearance

Clothing guide.

• What to wear Sailing
• Helly Hansen Mens Jacket and Pant Size Guide
• Helly Hansen Womens Sailing Jacket and Pant Size Guide
• Lazy Jacks Mens and Womens Size Charts
• Musto Men's and Women's Size Charts
• Old Guys Rule Size Guide
• Sailing Gloves Size Guides
• Weird Fish Clothing Size Charts

The Jimmy Green Clothing Store

Lower Fore St, Beer, East Devon, EX12 3EG

• Adria Bandiere
• Anchor Marine
• Anchor Right
• August Race
• Barton Marine
• Blue Performance
• Brierley Lifting
• Brook International
• Brookes & Adams
• Captain Currey
• Chaineries Limousines
• Coastline Technology
• Colligo Marine
• Cyclops Marine
• Douglas Marine
• Ecoworks Marine
• Exposure OLAS
• Fire Safety Stick
• Fortress Marine Anchors
• Hawk Marine Products
• Helly Hansen
• International
• Jimmy Green Marine
• Maillon Rapide
• Mantus Marine
• Marling Leek
• Meridian Zero
• MF Catenificio
• Ocean Fenders
• Ocean Safety
• Old Guys Rule
• Petersen Stainless
• Polyform Norway
• PSP Marine Tape
• Sidermarine
• Stewart Manufacturing Inc
• Team McLube
• Technical Marine Supplies
• Titan Marine (CMP)
• Ultramarine
• Waterline Design
• William Hackett

Clearance August Race Boat Cleaning Kit £26.00

Clearance LIROS Racer Dyneema £55.08

Clearance Folding Stock Anchor £123.25

Clearance LIROS Herkules £0.00

Clearance Barton Size 0 Ball Bearing Blocks - 5mm £10.13

Clearance Marlow Blue Ocean® Doublebraid £18.48

Mooring Clearance

Anchoring clearance, standing rigging clearance, running rigging clearance, deck hardware clearance, chandlery clearance, safety clearance, sheets and halyards selection guide.

23 Nov 2018

A guide to choosing the right replacement running rigging lines

Purchasing replacement lines is often a straightforward process. Especially, if you're happy with the performance of the existing line and can identify what it is. The length can easily be specified by measuring an existing halyard or sheet and can even be guessed fairly accurately, from schematics if you are familiar with your deck layout. The nominal diameter is slightly trickier because different brands use different volumes of fibre to achieve their specifications creating slight variations in comparable ropes. If in doubt, deck hardware is often a good place to check for recommended line diameters.

The difficulty arises when considering an upgrade or you're not entirely sure what you already have on board. At this point, the material to be used, the construction and the diameter of the rope all need to be considered. These factors have a significant influence on the overall cost and performance of your line. This guide aims to help you choose the right line at the right price.

Rope Materials

There are many more fibres available for the truly discerning sailor, however, this article sets out the 5 most common ones found in our product range.

Listed in order from most expensive to most economical, they are Vectran, Dyneema, Technora, Polyester and Polypropylene. 

• Vectran is the strongest and most expensive fibre and has very low elongation over time (creep). It is commonly impregnated with a UV stabiliser.
• Dyneema is very nearly equal to Vectran in terms of strength and stretch and is also usually impregnated with a UV protective coating. The price advantage over Vectran makes this a popular choice with rope manufacturers at the upper end of the market.
• Technora has very high abrasion and UV resistance and is commonly blended into the cover/jacket of a braid on braid line.
• Polyester is the most common fibre with excellent UV resistance, good breaking strains and low stretch characteristics. It is available in a bright monofilament fibre and a softer, matt finish, spun yarn. Bright polyester fibres are low stretch e.g. braid on braid bright white polyester. The softer feel, spun yarn has less strength and is slightly stretchier. Spun yarn is typically used for the cover/jacket on e.g. 16 plait matt polyester.
• Polypropylene is the lightest (doesn't absorb water) and cheapest fibre. However, it is stretchy and susceptible to UV.

Rope manufacturers have traditionally used different fibres for the core and the cover, in order to make the most of their relative advantages, but can now produce even better ropes by blending different fibres together, in either the core or the jacket.

Rope Construction

The majority of lines are comprised of a braided core and a braided jacket. The most common cruising lines are 100% polyester (cost effective). The weight of fibre in these lines is usually balanced equally between the cover and the core and can be spliced using the double braid splice.

Marlowbraid is the exception as it has a 3-strand core which slightly reduces stretch for a very modest increase in price. The downside of this construction is that it tends to flatten around sheaves and winches.

N.B. braided lines with a polypropylene core may make a saving but will be reflected in a marked lack of performance particularly with regard to extra stretch where it is not desirable.

The construction of the cover also has a bearing on abrasion resistance. Generally, the covers with a tighter weave or 'more plaits' e.g. 8, 16, 24 or 32 plaits offer a sliding scale of improved wear resistance.

Stronger fibres such as Dyneema or Vectran are required to significantly increase the strength of a line and reduce its stretch. Typically, these fibres are used in the core which is therefore much stronger than the cover. These lines then have to be spliced using the core dependent method which in turn means the weight of fibre in the cover can be reduced.

Cost vs Performance

The cost is directly related to the amount of Dyneema/Vectran content in the finished rope and therefore related to the strength and stretch.

It, therefore, follows that the strongest (and most expensive) line for a given diameter does not have a cover and is 100% 'core'. However, Halyards and sheets still rely on the cover for grip and abrasion resistance in clutches and on winches. The solution is to strip the cover from the core shortly after the winch or clutch. This can only be done with core dependent ropes.

All the fibres mentioned can be blended to produce covers with different properties. Racers may use a polypropylene/Dyneema blend for lightweight sheets or a technora/polyester blend for sheets that get through a lot of work. Cruisers are less likely to have sailing condition specific requirements, so a standard polyester cover heavy enough to give good longevity is usually the best bet.

Choose the right line

The full range of lines supplied by Jimmy Green Marine can cater for both the cruisers and the racers. So we have arranged the lines on a sliding scale to help you decide where to aim. Specifications are based on 12mm lines.

Whether you're a cruiser looking to strengthen up your lines for a more adventurous outing or a racer looking for a better price point Jimmy Green has a line for you.

You can also find further information on the infographic below. The stretch percentages are based on a 500kg working load rather than an ultimate breaking load. This accounts for the difference between the infographic and the table above. 

Shop for Sheets and Halyards

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