self tailing 'adaptors'

[neil1967]

self tailing \'adaptors\'

Hi

I have previously seen adverts for a plastic ring that fits around the top of a winch to make it a self tailing winch. Does anyone have any experience of these - seems a bit too good to be true?

Thanks

 

[sailorman]

Re: self tailing \'adaptors\'

i have 2 on halliard winches. they do work

 

[Chubb]

Re: self tailing \'adaptors\'

What a very good idea, where have you seen them for sale?

 

[jerryat]

Re: self tailing \'adaptors\'

[ QUOTE ]
i have 2 on halliard winches. they do work

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh dear, I tried the things, 'Winchers' I believe, many years ago, but unless they have been dramatically improved in the interim, they'll still be a complete wate of time IMO!! Not cheap either! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[holly1]

Re: self tailing \'adaptors\'

Afriend has them he says he still has to tail them;but you dont have to pull so hard !

 

[alldownwind]

Re: self tailing \'adaptors\'

Yes they do work (rubber, not plastic) but they do not fully replicate the action of a s-t winch - you still have to peel the rope tail off, difference is that you don't have to keep the tension on it.
They are now badged and marketed by Barton Marine.

 

[sailorman]

Re: self tailing \'adaptors\'

if the drum is full of turns tight up under the rubber, thats all thats needed. the top groove in the rubber is only for belaying the sheet NOT self-tailing it.
they dont opperate the same or replicate S.T winches

 

[Alfie168]

Re: self tailing \'adaptors\'

It all depends on what you expect of Barton Winchers. They do improve a conventional non ST winch, particularly if you are sailing short handed, but its going some to compare them to a full self tailer...but then for £40 or so, what do you expect.

I have used them and certainly found them useful rather than useless, and on balance I'd definitely rather have them than not have them, if that were the only choice.

Tim

 

[cnh]

Re: self tailing \'adaptors\'

I had them on a previous boat, and they were excellent.

Nicholas Hill

 

[Chubb]

Re: self tailing \'adaptors\'

Is it possible to convert a Lewmar standard winch to a self tailing version?

 

[Alfie168]

Re: self tailing \'adaptors\'

There are three sizes of Barton Wincher. The smallest Lewmar winch suitable for them is the Lewmar 8. Anything above that and there should be one to fit, as the wincher is a stretch fit (a bloody difficult stretch fit I have to say)

Tim

 

[charles_reed]

It is

Most of those who've experienced the real thing appear to think them a waste of money

 

[Malish]

Re: It is

But if you have a boat fitted with non-st winches and have a limited budget then the Winchers are a good, useful addition. Just remember to load the winch with rope. I wouldn't be without them.

 

[allanc]

Re: self tailing \'adaptors\'

Yes, they do work and are good value. They do self-tail by putting on four or five or so turns to fill the drum up to the underside of the 'wincher'. When you've winched in just cleat the rope into the jammer groove. Easy to use and nothing to break. Once used, you'll always use them.

 

[noby]

Re: self tailing \'adaptors\'

Good to see some positive feedback on these. I bookmarked these for my 'to do' list over Christmas. As I recall. there was a US site selling them for a lot less than £40.

 

[FrancisRutter]

Re: self tailing \'adaptors\'

I had a pair of winchers [suspect I have thrown them away now]. Simply could not persuade them to go onto the winch although they were supposed to be the correct size. So have no knowledge of them in use.

 

[damo]

Re: self tailing \'adaptors\'

Noooo! What a waste /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif There is a knack to fitting them, which has been posted several times on the forum in the past.

I'd still rather have s/t winches though

 

[Leighb]

Re: self tailing \'adaptors\'

I have fitted to them to a pair of Lewmar 30s, would love some new Lewmar STs but have spent a lot already on other "essentials".

I was prepared to be disappointed although a friend had said they were good.

However they are pretty effective at the price. You do need to put plenty of turns on so that the rope is gripped under the wincher itself, and it does self tail.

I think the main disadvantage is that it is much more awkward to release the load when you need to tack or trim.
Other than that am well pleased and will use them until the budget allows for the new STs.

 

[doug748]

Re: self tailing \'adaptors\'

Might think about this update, not for the self tailing action ( which I consider a little overated anyway ) but to prevent damage to my shins, from the top of the winch, as I clamber back into the cockpit at sea.

 

[ridgy]

Re: self tailing \'adaptors\'

I have an unused medium pair that are too big for my winches if you're interested. Say 50% of rrp + postage.

Or swap for small if anyone has some.