Electric Winch Handle???

destiny

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I find that even in a 3, (smallish) genoa and in-mast main are difficult to roll in (selden furlex) on a 46' boat.
Anyone had any experience with electric winch handles - the cost of "electrifyiing" three main winches would be too much? Morea International make a rechargeable, other are Winchmaster, Winchbuddy etc.
 

Norman_E

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Whilst I have no experience of electric winch handles, I do have plenty with rechargeable tools. I doubt if a rechargeable winch handle will be a good solution to your problem. The Winchbuddy website quotes a maximum torque of 50 ft lb. This is more than you are likely to be able to exert consistently, but the problem is that this is only with a full battery charge. It may be OK if you only need to do the job once or twice and can then recharge.
If you are finding it difficult to roll up the genoa and mainsail I suspect there is too much friction in the systems. I do not know your winch sizes but if you have a number 40 and put a 25 pound pull on a 12 inch handle, you are putting a 1000 pound pull on the furling line (in the winch's lowest gear)
I have seen extending winch handles which give extra leverage. It may be worth trying one as a much cheaper alternative to a rechargeable handle which might be a disappointment; But I think that you should investigate why the furlers are such hard work, after all they are intended to make life easier.
 

fireball

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I second the view of investigating why the furlers are such hard work ...
Have you tried relaxing the halyard tension a smidgin?
 

jamesjermain

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I would be inclined to give your furling gears a thorough overhaul before investing in electric winch handles.

That said, he sails on a 46ft yacht are large and will take a fair bit of winching in. Even if the systems are running smoothly, you may be able to exert enough force to do the winding but it is the time you have to generate this effort for which is exhausting (at least it is for me!).

Many people electrify one winch. usually a halyard winch, then arrange other important lines so they can be lead to it. It shouldn't be difficult to lead the main and genoa reefing lines to such a winch.
 

tome

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A couple of things help enormously:

1) Forestay tension. If not enough, it makes the Furlex much more difficult to operate. The difference can be huge!

2) Furl off the wind. Whenever possible, we furl the jib by turning onto a run with the main blanketing the jib. This puts the sail to sleep and furling is a doddle. We then start the engine and round up to stow the main.
 

jjj

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I would be slightly skeptical as to the mechanical advantage offered by the electric winch handle. I would guess that the loads and the combine torque would be directed at you wrist or forearm, imagine if the sheets took a riding turn around the winch drum and you are left pirouetting. I would be inclined to bear away and furl with less pressure on the system. JJJ
 
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