Electric winches and other 'Nice to Haves'

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BlueSkyNick

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Electric winches and other \'Nice to Haves\'

I asked SWMBO to put three items on the Wish List in order:

- Cockpit conservatory
- Electric winches
- Bowthruster

Her Answer? A new patio in one corner of the garden followed by fitted bedroom furniture. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I plan to shop around at SIBS to see what's available. I would go straight to Tecsew for the conservatory. I would like to investigate one of the new 'prop-less' bowthrusters.

Having single handed yesterday for the first time, in 18kts of wind, electric winches definitely appeal but what are the best options ?

I have been advised to go for Anderson's because the motor is within the body of the winch, which saves space presumably. But I think they are a bit pricey.

Anybody have any recommendations, suggestions, preferences, do's and don'ts, etc?

I am guessing that getting big enough cables through the boat is going to be challenging.

In the meantime, anybody fancy building a patio for free? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
Re: Electric winches and other \'Nice to Haves\'

Leccy winches are on the list for us - we are not going to get younger.

The bowthruster that uses a section of your hull cutout so there is no hole is good, and only 800 quid more than a tunnel version.

The bimini/conservatory will have to wait until I can do the radar arch/davits combination all at once.

I did my patio last year, for one million brownie points.
P1010001-1.jpg
 
Re: Electric winches and other \'Nice to Haves\'

After yet another wet summer, I have added an umbrella stand to the boat's "must have " list /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
Re: Electric winches and other \'Nice to Haves\'

given the realtive cheapness of electric windlasses, I reckon that the winches on offer at the moment are a rip off.
 
Re: Electric winches and other \'Nice to Haves\'

I concur that view.
I am tight enough to be considering the 18v Makita long arm torque drill with 1/2" shaft, which will do a very good job as a winch buddy for less than 200 quid.
 
Re: Electric winches and other \'Nice to Haves\'

Create a cockpit patio for the swmbo.

The best expense to reward factor on my boat has been tailored cockpit cushions, 4 in total for easy storage and cockpit locker access. They are made from the foam that does not retain water.

Next is a teak cockpit table with a grating top supplied by KJ Howells of Poole, it adds a hint of super yacht luxury.

If I thought I was keeping my boat for another 5 years the next improvement would be companionway doors to replace the washboards. I loathe storing away the washboards on a daily basis.
 
Re: Electric winches and other \'Nice to Haves\'

1. A computer peripheral linked to the electric winches, so that we can programme in a "Maximum heel angle" so that the computer handles all rudder and sail trimming.

So that the drinks don't spill.

2. Sandra Bullock as "sailing" companion.

3. Small lift keel boat with only one double berth for when I get stuck on the mud for the night totally accidentally.

4. (If allowed), The energy I had when I was younger.
 
Re: Electric winches and other \'Nice to Haves\'

On Hana I created a cockpit tent for £25 by buying a 3m by 4m tarpaulin from tarpaulins direct. We could enjoy an almost outside feeling whilst staying dry in the cockpit and it was a great place to hang wet oillies.

I think you will find that electric winches with right angle motors will fit inside the cockpit coamings. At least that is what I thought what I looked into it.
 
Re: Electric winches and other \'Nice to Haves\'

did come across a geared winch handle (4:1 if I remember right) but it was expensive and required mods to the boat. Given that its the last few inches that are the problem, I think I'll simpoly make up a 15 inch winch handle.

Careful with the Makita. Remember Newtons laws - the torque you feel with your hands will be just the same as that you would feel with a winch handle of the same length between winch center and handle. Sure it will save you the work grinding things in, but my problem is insuifficient strength when it comes to the last bit.
 
Re: Electric winches and other \'Nice to Haves\'

Resisting torque requires a lot less effort than generating power, which is why I believe these winch drills are effective. Or looking at it another way, I think most of us have the strength to resist the torque, but don't have the aerobic ability to wind in a 600ft 150% genoa on a M44.
 
Re: Electric winches and other \'Nice to Haves\'

I have an electric winch, but not for genoa sheets. The place it is really useful is for the main halyard. The genoa winches are 53s and I can grind in my 130% genoa with those, despite having pretty thin and weak arms.
 
Re: Electric winches and other \'Nice to Haves\'

[ QUOTE ]
On Hana I created a cockpit tent for £25 by buying a 3m by 4m tarpaulin from tarpaulins direct. We could enjoy an almost outside feeling whilst staying dry in the cockpit and it was a great place to hang wet oillies.

I think you will find that electric winches with right angle motors will fit inside the cockpit coamings. At least that is what I thought what I looked into it.

[/ QUOTE ] we already have a bimini with detachable sides and front which extends over the spray hood. Then there is the boom cover which goes from mast to backstay! The snag is they were all designed to provide maximum sunshade with air movement in the Med, both characteristics making them not compatible with UK weather. !
 
Re: Electric winches and other \'Nice to Haves\'

[ QUOTE ]
did come across a geared winch handle (4:1 if I remember right) but it was expensive and required mods to the boat. Given that its the last few inches that are the problem, I think I'll simpoly make up a 15 inch winch handle.


[/ QUOTE ] Presumably the mods to the boat were to provide power. I've sailed on a boat with one of those big white jobbies, about £700 I believe, which you have to lug from side to side as you tack. Being a heavy duty motor in a cast housing it was pretty chunky/heavy and lethal if it started flying around the cockpit on its own volition.
 
Re: Electric winches and other \'Nice to Haves\'

It's the continuous winding in required when you are short-tacking that takes the effort. I used to own a M44 and found that Solent sailing could sometimes be more demanding than I would like. It was this and not having enough time off for decent summer cruises that resulted in me downsizing.

Since Nick and I are the same size I can understand why he might want electric /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Re: Electric winches and other \'Nice to Haves\'

Because I am several years older than you, and several stones 'less fit' !!

Also, SWMBO is not up to winching the genoa in hard, so I have to leave the wheel to do it myself.

You are right, once the boat is underway she is very easy to trim and sail single handed as long as the Autohelm is up to it of course. Tacking back towards Lymington, in 18kts of wind, albeit with a semi furled sail, was challenging but also great fun. Giving way to others was interesting, because I didnt want to free the sheets just to duck behind them, so just turned away and tipped her on her side for a few seconds !


OOps, just realised you said you CAN understand, whereas I read it as can'T - doh!
 
Re: Electric winches and other \'Nice to Haves\'

leccy winches on my Dehler great - mainly main halyard and very quick reefing. Small blade jib means not needed usually on jib sheets.
Everyone scoffs when they come on board but usually quickly implore me not to tell their SWMBOs in case they get the wrong idea!!
 
Re: Electric winches and other \'Nice to Haves\'

I have one electric winch on the coachroof, which I use sparingly when sailing with crew but is an absolute godsend when single-handing. As well as saving the huffing and puffing, it allows you to comfortably watch the end result (halyard tension/sail trim) with a finger on a button, instead of craning your neck backwards whilst bent over a winch handle. If needed, I can lead lines from other winches across to the powered one for some extra oomph. The main drawback I have found is when the powered winch is used by crew who are more used to having to 'grind' everything tight. The electric winches are deceptively strong and I have had furling lines hauled in bar tight and the topping lift shackle pulled straight simply by over-enthusiastic crew.

I still use 'normal' arm power on the genoa sheet winches, and BigNick has got it exactly right; the Skipper tends to be much less prone to ordering "just nip it in a bit", "just ease it a touch" when he's singlehanding and has to provide the calories himself.
 
Re: Electric winches and other \'Nice to Haves\'

Electric winches are an asset when the sails and loads get bigger.

Being a charter boat I was strongly advised not to fit electric winches and now just having had my new main ripped on its first charter when they left a reefing tidy line in i agree.

I bought a Milwaulkee 28V rt angle drill as it has the most torque and is easy to hold/control. Torque is 600lbsins, i was advised that next strongest was a DeWalt at 300lbsins.

Milwaulkee is only available in USA at 110V charger but I got one and it works OK with Maplins USA/UK converter.

Fergus went the same route. (41' Sweden Yacht)

Obviously not as neat as an electric winch but it does the job and is there if I ever want to cut an 8" hole in an oak rafter!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.

The Milwaulkee has a mind of its own though everytime someones gives me a glass of wine it does a free demonstration - must be careful of that in Cherbourg!
 
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