Which winches.

[WestWittering]

I want to replace the original sheet winches on my Centaur with a pair self-tailing winches. What size should I be looking at and would you recommend Lewmar or Harken, single or twin speed? Now I have taken the decision to replace, I don't know where to start.

Di

 

[Tranona]

Have a look on their sites as you will find calculators to determine sizes based on your boat sail area. Think you will find ST16 minimum size. 2 speed probably not necessary for your size. For a cruising sailor doubt you will see any difference in performance between Lewmar and Harken. OE builders fit both so probably depends on price.

You might consider adding Barton Winchers to your existing winches if they are in good nick. Gives some of the advantages of STs but at a fraction of the cost.

 

[Plevier]

I've had Lewmar, now got Harken, much prefer Lewmar.
I would have thought you'd want size 30.

 

[Martin_J]

Hi... Your profile suggests you are in West Wittering.. If you'd like to see what I bought from eBay and had re-chromed you are welcome to visit us in Southsea.

Not sure what size you are looking for.. but whatever it is.. with a good base winch (e.g. Lewmar) .... rechroming can, so long as the inner surfaces are good, bring the winches back to a like new condition...
If you have the money so spend then just go and buy the latest Lewmar or Harken.. If you'd like to save money then take your time and see what comes up on eBay..

FWIW - The Lewmar 44 three speed I have fully serviced and also had re-chromed... you'd now be pushed to notice their age..

 

[Martin_J]

After re-reading your OP.. Troubadour points you to about the right size winch... Two speed gives you the advantage of a quick sheet in followed by an easy final few winds to get the sail in... Once you've had two speed self tailers you'll never look back.

 

[WestWittering]

Thank you for the guidance - I will start looking around for a good price. In the meantime, has anyone used Andersen winches?

Di

 

[rogerthebodger]

Yes when I fitted out my new boat I went for Andersen's all stainless not cheap but IMHO very good and kinder to the sheets and halyard as the drum is not knurled but has ridges to grip the rope allowing the rope to slide across the drum.

 

[[2574]]

Thank you for the guidance - I will start looking around for a good price. In the meantime, has anyone used Andersen winches?

Di

Yes, we've Andersen winches on our mast for halyards; they're very smooth and appear to be better finished than the Lewmar sheet winches in the cockpit. If I had to choose between Lewmar or Andersen I'd go with Andersen I think.

rob

 

[Plevier]

Lewmar £££
Harken £££
Andersen ££££££

Seen this? http://www.mailspeedmarine.com/winches/lewmar/self-tailing-winch-34st-hard-anodised-alloy.bhtml
Looks quite a deal, although I think chrome is preferable. Must be old stock I think, 34 not in Lewmar's current list.

 

[FullCircle]

I fitted a pair of Antal 30 ST 2 speed self tailers to my coachroof for halyards.

No problems so far (8 years), easy to service.

 

[pvb]

I've often wondered why winches are so eye-wateringly expensive.

 

[WestWittering]

I was wondering about the Antal as they seem very cheap, but I have been offered a pair of s/h winches which seem brilliant - so fingers crossed. I am extremely grateful for all the information! It is the various numbers & letters that the manufacturers put on them that got me so bamboozled!!

Di

 

[rob2]

My boat had Lewmar 30s when I bought her, but when I found a friend using a pair of 30STs as doorstops, I couldn't resist changing to them. My rig is of similar size to yours and (partly due to age and small stature) I find these adequate, but would go up a size yet if I could!

Rob.

 

[thalassa]

Yes when I fitted out my new boat I went for Andersen's all stainless not cheap but IMHO very good and kinder to the sheets and halyard as the drum is not knurled but has ridges to grip the rope allowing the rope to slide across the drum.

+1

 

[AngusMcDoon]

Thank you for the guidance - I will start looking around for a good price. In the meantime, has anyone used Andersen winches?

Di

Yes. I have them all round. Standard fitting on Dragonflies.

 

[WestWittering]

I am sorted! I have been offered a pair of Lewmar chrome 16STs and will be collecting on Sunday

Next stage will be fitting - but just below my old 'doorstops' which is what they are really, is a cut-out for stuff, so out with the screwdriver & stanley knife to cut around the silkaflex I should have good access to the old winches. Even if I just do the prep work they will be fitted by the end of next week. I am so looking forward to this.

Thank you again for all your advice - I did find a pair of Andersens going for a good price (hence my query) but these will be such an improvement at a great price, I am so looking forward to getting out on my own now as life will be much easier.

Di

 

[PetiteFleur]

Thank you for the guidance - I will start looking around for a good price. In the meantime, has anyone used Andersen winches?

Di

I have Andersen size 42's two speed on my Moody 33 - superb winches. Bought them cheap at a boat auction some years ago - thay had been salvaged from a sunken yacht and full of sand and a took a pleasant couple of evenings cleaning them up and fitting new pawls etc. They can highly recommended them but expensive if bought new. I also fitted a pair of single speed Andersen winches on the mast for halliards - bought cheap from ebay.

 

[Plevier]

I am sorted! I have been offered a pair of Lewmar chrome 16STs and will be collecting on Sunday
Di

Are you sure those will be enough? What's the sail area?
I would have thought you would need 30s, at least if you have a genoa not just a small jib.
I had a 29ft Beneteau, I fitted 30s to replace the totally inadequate Barlow 23s, they were still very hard work.
Sorry!

 

[Tranona]

I have 16STs on a 26 footer replacing old 25s. Just about OK and overall better than the bigger non STs. Will definitely be a big improvement on the old Gibbs which I assume the Centaur has.