Portable Electric Winch handels

[cloud7]

Any members have any opinions on these
Thanks

 

[ditchcrawler]

I have a Winchrite. One of my best buys ever.

 

[coopec]

I've got real concerns that I won't get enough exercise when I am aboard! (They'll be banned)

 

[explores]

Winchrite for me.Good service as well if needed.

 

[Jabs]

Again, Winchrite is one of my most happy investments ever!

I love it!

And outstanding service.

Tony

 

[Rosa]

How long does the battery last before needing to be recharged? Can it be recharged using 12v?

 

[dunedin]

If, as I understand it, the OP has just invested substantially in a sizeable new boat, I would suggest it is worth thinking about making the investment in some proper electric winches. Getting now would get most value from these.
And if ever planned to be sold, most buyers now expect on a modern 40 foot boat to find at least one electric winch, typically for the main halyard (with other ropes able to be diverted to this).
We certainly find the one electric winch handy - for lifting weighty items on board, aiding going up mast etc as well as sailing. We have a narrow blade jib so don’t need genoa winches electrified, but have found useful sailing bigger boats with substantial overlapping genoas.
Portable electric handles are useful, but long term the fitted electric winches are the real deal.

 

[Jabs]

I agree completely but the cost is high. Cabling, disruption on fitting, protrusion below decl/coach roof etc.
Not to mention battery consumption.

I would love to fit one on the coach roof but can't find a pretty way of doing it!

So, meanwhile, the Winchrite does the job, and yes, I have a 140 genoa!!!


Tony

 

[cloud7]

Fully appreciate that unfortunately she was built already

 

[Kukri]

Just read this thread and bought a Winchrite

 

[roaringgirl]

On our (40ft 12T) ketch, with a mahoosive overlapping genoa, the only time you might wish for an electric winch-handle is when you fluff a tack. Raising the main is 'exercise'.

 

[Playtime]

I've had a Winchrite for 9 years now. In fact I'm on my second. The first lasted 8 years before the battery finally gave out. I could have had the battery replaced for £200+ but decided to splash out on a new Mark 2 Winchrite instead as it's even better than the original - Li ion battery with double the capacity, brushless motor, more torque etc.

I have a 40 footer and to me there are several advantages of the Winchrite over 'proper' electric winches.
Firstly, one Winchrite can be used on all winches.
Secondly, it is less dangerous as you can 'feel' the torque being applied. I have been on two different boats with 'proper' electric winches and witnessed two minor disasters as a result of the lack of feel for the torque. In one case the genoa furling line was pulled clean out of the furling drum, breaking it and in the second incident the furling mainsail was ripped when the outhaul was pulled without the in-haul being released. Both accidents would be avoidable with better operator training but neither would have happened with a Winchrite.
Finally, the Winchrite costs about 20% of the price of one 'proper' fitted electric winch.

And no, I have no association with Winchrite, other than as a throughly satsified customer.

 

[sailaboutvic]

So how long will the battery last , I know it all depend on how much you use it , but how about some idea guys

 

[roaringgirl]

the genoa furling line was pulled clean out of the furling drum

My sailing instructor said to NEVER winch a furling line. A rule I have tried to stick to over the years. The reason (I know now) is because if you've got the halyard wrapped you can pull down the forestay. Surely it must be EVEN WORSE to put the furling line on an electric winch?

 

[Playtime]

So how long will the battery last . . . .

I have never run it flat but then I have a 12V socket in the cockpit and top up the charge after a prolonged period of use. Before I had the 12V socket I used it on several cross channel passages without it going flat and have hauled a 13 stone man up the mast twice in quick succession also without problem - note both of these were with the older style battery which was half the capacity of the later model. Unless you are racing round the cans all day with a big overlapping genny and a F5 breeze I would suggest that the battery would cope with a 'normal' day's cruising without problem. You can then charge it overnight from the service battery ready for the next passage.

 

[Malish]

On our (40ft 12T) ketch, with a mahoosive overlapping genoa, the only time you might wish for an electric winch-handle is when you fluff a tack. Raising the main is 'exercise'.

+1

I suppose their next model will come with a remote control ;-)

 

[Kukri]

Just read this thread and bought a Winchrite

It arrived. Like Harken kit, it has American Instructions. Unlike Japanese Instructions, American Instructions are easy to follow. They just assume that you are Homer Simpson.

Raising the mainsail is surprisingly easy -PTFE track. I am 67 and unfit and I can get it a fair way up before needing the winch. The genoa is another story.

 

[roaringgirl]

Why not get fit then?

 

[Kukri]

Why not get fit then?

I’ve started walking to the pub...

 

[cpedw]

I’ve started walking to the pub...

Let us know when you get there ...