Two speed winches - good idea, or gimmick?

[TheBoatman]

That's what I believed to be right - on our Lewmars it's high speed c/wise and low speed a/clock.

Hands up all those people that are r/handed and find it easier to winch a/clockwise.

A friend (who's a surgeon) once explained to me "why" man developed threads that are normally right handed, i.e. L/handed is considered to be the odd way - it's something to do with the muscles in your arm - you have more strength when turning something C/wise but when it comes to grinding a winch those muscles work better when winding a/clockwise!!!

Don't ask me I'm not a surgeon and I'll probably get flamed for saying the above - but that's what I've been lead to believe.

Which is rather good for me (being R/handed) as I can both open a bottle of wine and grind winches more efficiently than a lefty - or as they say in Ireland a "kitterpaw".

Peter.

 

[Sheerline]

They're a great idea. Direction isn't an issue - I sail the boat on both tacks.

 

[Dipper]

I personally like two speed winches. The only downside that Moodysailor has already alluded to is that there is effectively no ratcheting on the slow speed gear. On high speed, the slow speed direction acts as the ratchet but on slow speed with pressure on the sheets, the high speed (used as a ratchet) becomes too difficult to operate. It depends on whether you can comfortably winch in the handle from all angles. If not, you may need to remove and reposition the handle for the last few inches.

I hope that makes sense!