Rope size in self-tailing winches

[Bodach na mara]

I am considering investing some of the kids inheritance in a pair of 40ST winches to replace the ancient Lewmar 25 two speed winches that probably were original on the boat. The spec says they are suitable for sheets between 8 and 12 mm diameter. My existing sheets are 14 mm and I do not like handling anything smaller with the size of genoa on a Renown. Does anyone know if these winches will handle 14mm?

Another query. I originally wanted to go for Lewmar chrome ones but they cost an arm and a leg. I can get Harken 40STs in alloy for £100 each less. Are the Lewmars worth the extra?

 

[nigelmercier]

The spec says they are suitable for sheets between 8 and 12 mm diameter... Does anyone know if these winches will handle 14mm?

Look at the spec!

 

[earlybird]

I think that you should stay with Lewmar's recommendation.
My winches are 48's, used with 14mm sheets, the maximum recommended by Lewmar for that winch size. This works well, but still requires a certain amount of care io ensure that the sheet is properly engaged in the gripper. I would expect an over-sized sheet to be much more awkward in this respect, leading to much cursing and flapping in a hurried tack.


i

 

[Rigger Mortice]

I've got Lewmar ST's on my boat and they are excellent, but they don't work too well with oversized lines; they are not designed to take them and it is a mistake to expect them to work properly. On the few occasions that I have used an oversized line I have worked them as convential winches and cleated off the line in the traditional way.

One thing that you may not have considered is that, with ST's, the lines are so much easier to to use that you will probably find that you will be happy to use a smaller line.

You either need bigger winches, or smaller lines.

 

[vyv_cox]

I agree with the others. I have Gibb 50 STs that are rated at up to 12 mm. I bought some larger diameter rope at a boat show bargain bin but it was not a success, fell out of the self tailer jaws regularly.

 

[PetiteFleur]

I've Andersen 40ST's with 12mm rope and they work well, but have tried 14mm and still work well and just checked the Andersen site and most of their winches take up to 14mm. BUT 40ST Andersen winches are expensive - £869 ea from a quick google!! They do work well and look good!

 

[ianfr]

Hi

I have just replaced an old pair of Tufnol single speed non self tailers with a pair of Lewmar EVO ST15 winches.

The old winches were used with 14mm or 16mm rope to ease handling.

The new ones are 12mm which is the largest that fit the winches. They always grip, and are much easier to handle than the old sheets. As we no longer have to heave on the tail the smaller rope is not a problem.

Hope this helps

Ian

 

[Bodach na mara]

Thanks for all the replies, which are all helpful. I did try out the 14mm sheets on a friends' Lewmar 40 ST winch and they did grip, but as has been said the grip is maybe not reliable. If I do get a pair, I will budget for a pair of new 12mm sheets. And yes, I do know about Barry Edwards and his ebay shop!