Cabin top halyard winches - what size?

[Windway]

I am going to fit the Barton single line reefing system to my Westerly Centaur this summer bringing all lines aft to the cockpit. I can see how to do this and what is required in the way of fittings. I am now wondering what type and size of halyard winch I will require and if self tailing is needed or not? Will one suffice or should I fit two? The mainsail on the Centaur is only 166.75 sq ft. I will have two slab reefs initially. Lines will be 8mm. Clutches might be Spinlock XAS or Barton. I wonder if the Barton single speed winches would do the job hauling in the reefing lines, topping lift, kicker and main halyard, or should I consider a self tailing winch like the Harken 15ST or is this overkill for a 26 foot boat. Any thoughts, or information on how you set up your sub 30 foot cruising boat would be most welcome.

 

[Tranona]

I use Lewmar no8 single speed for that task. One for reefing lines and kicker and one for main and topping lift. ST would be a luxury, and not needed for the power.

 

[bitbaltic]

We had Harken 8s on the coach roof when we bought the boat (30 ft big rig) and these were standard fit. They were non ST and worked OK providing I was using them not SWMBO. ST winches do make a big difference so in your position I'd consider single-speed ST 16s a reasonable upgrade. We actually upgraded to 35.2 twin speed Harkens all round- way more than necessary but SWMBO wanted twin speed and you can't really have too much power- they just get nicer and nicer to use way overkill for what you're doing though.

 

[johnalison]

I have Lewmar 16 ST on my 34 footer. The process of winching can be quite awkward at times, such as when reefing, when you might be needing a hand to brace yourself, and I would suggest that self-tailing is a worthwile addition. I don't think it ever pays to skimp on fitting out, though an 8 would be perfectly adequate for a Centaur in terms of power. I think it is going to be difficult to arrange for winch access to all your lines with only one winch. These winches don't get a lot of wear compared to sheet winches, and will be a good long-term investment.

 

[ex-Gladys]

I put a Barton two speed on my coach roof to handle main and genny halyards which it does with ease, despite not being ST. Considerably bigger sails than a Centaur