Pontos 4-speed winches - anyone used one?

[findus]

I replaced a mast winch (Enkes 22) with a Pontos Compact a couple weeks ago. Tried it last weekend and loved it, main goes up quicker and then much easier to put tension on. The rope does not slide easily sideways when you grind it. May have to do with the new winch and the new halyard.
Planning to replace 2 more winches with Pontos Trimmer 46 to use as Genoa sheet winch (62sqm Genoa). This will avoid installing electric winches, as the Trimmer 46 gives a 105 ration in fourth gear.
Attached a picture of the compact opened up.

 

[vyv_cox]

Thanks for all the feedback, our decision is made. Will be buying two Trimmer 40s in the near future. Our decision was aided by the revelation that as CA members we are entitled to a 10% reduction on the purchase price. That will pay our membership fee next year, and more.

 

[GrahamD]

Thanks for the spoiler, Vyv! This offer has just been agreed with the CA but was going to be announced in the next CA newsletter. I'm not yet a member of the CA, but I had a look at the discounts that members get, and as you say, if you make a reasonably big purchase it makes membership well worthwhile financially, let alone all the other membership benefits.

Findus, I'm pleased to hear that he Compact is making it easier to hoist the main. The problem you have experienced may be caused by there not a big enough angle of attack where the line meets the winch. This needs to be between 5-10 degrees. Any less than this and there is a tendency to get riding turns. If this angle is not enough, then see if you can change the angle of the fairlead, or possible lift the winch with a spacer plate. Please PM me or contact through our website if you have any further problems

Graham

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[findus]

Graham, thanks for the pointer re angle of attack! I put a spacer plate in already but more to cover up the old alu bracket. Will get the sextant out to measure the angle of the rope going onto the winch. Could well be possible, that it is too small.

 

[snooks]

If you didn't read my article about Pontos you can read it here:

http://www.yachtingmonthly.com/gear/a-pontos-winch-could-change-the-way-you-sail-33173

 

[vyv_cox]

Thanks for the spoiler, Vyv! This offer has just been agreed with the CA but was going to be announced in the next CA newsletter. I'm not yet a member of the CA, but I had a look at the discounts that members get, and as you say, if you make a reasonably big purchase it makes membership well worthwhile financially, let alone all the other membership benefits.

It isn't in the November newsletter, not sure how long we will have to wait for the next. My post was intended to be yet another positive reason for joining the CA, rather than a plug for your winches.