Self tailing winches

[SimonMackenzie]

I have a pair of Lewmar 30s for genoa sheets and a pair of 16s for halliards etc. All date from 1988 or so I think. I would like to change to self tailing but am horrified at cost. Is it possible to just change the drum or do you need entire winch? Alternatively, what is the collective wisdom on the add on rubber discs, a bit like clam cleats, that you can put on top of existing drums?

 

[Sea_dreamer]

Not sure about the alternatives that you mention, but having just got a boat with self tailing winches (albeit old ones) would recommend the expense over other gadgets.

Ideal for short handed, and keeps fingers away from ropes under strain, which is ideal for little fingers.

John

 

[Honey]

Chartered a boat in the med and it had self - tailers. Came home and changed mine the following week! Have tried the rubber add ons (winchers) but was not impressed. I have Antals - Worth every penny.

 

[bilbobaggins]

Agree with 'Honey' and 'Sea_dreamer'; wouldn't be without s/t winches for most tasks.

Have used the rubber 'grippers' as add-ons to existing winches on several boats - usually where there are a couple of snubbing winches on the coachroof for pulling reefing lines, or where the winch size is quite small. The rubbers work 'quite well' on modest loads, and are worth the modest cost. However, they do not work as well as the 'real mackoy',and if your work-loads are generated by genoas, I consider you would be better satisfied with the 'full-metal' product.

Probably OK for the 16s, but perhaps not quite up to the laods on your 30s.

Why not buy *one* set for your 16s, but try them also on the bigger winches.....?

 

[Talbot]

The self tailing winch working parts for Lewmar are not compatible with the spindles on non-self tailing bodies. Keep a good look on ebay as they sometimes appear. I bought my st30s from there (non lewmar, but perfectly satisfactory)

 

[AliM]

I cannot imagine tacking up a narrow channel, shorthanded, with non-self-tailing genoa winches. The halyard winches are less important, to my mind, after all, you probably use them only once per trip (or a few more times if you have to reef). I've used the rubber add-ons on halyard winches, and although they help a bit, I'd hate to have to use them for genoa winches.

So, mortgage granny (or whatever) and replace the genoa ones first. IMHO

 

[robbieg]

Simon I've got a pair of second hand lewmar st30's in my garage having upgraded my winches this year. I want a reasonable price for them but if your interested send me a PM

 

[Roadking678r]

I fitted the rubber "winchers" to the primary winches of a Moody 33. I have been very impressed, and for the cost they work very well. They have to be fitted and used properly or they don't work. Self-tailing winches are better, but for £40 or so, the winchers are well worth a go, but read the instructions carefully.