Winchers

[Mhvoiceuk]

Does anyone know if the rubber sleeves ("Winchers") that you can retro fit to winches to turn them into self tailers actually work? If they do work, what kind of life can you expect out of them?



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[LORDNELSON]

1. They last a long time. I bought two for my last boat in 1995 and I saw it againn this week. The winchers were in good condition.

2. They work, but not as well as self-tailers. You have to keep the barrel of the winch full of rope and I found one handed operation of the winch not always possible.

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[Martin_e]

I agree with the last comment. But at £25 they are a lot cheaper than two new Lewmar 40st !!! I have had a pair for 4 years now and no real signs of wear.

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[Mhvoiceuk]

Thanks for the comments. My boat is coming out next week for 3 weeks of sprucing up and I'm trying to make the most of my small budget. I'll try the winchers. Thanks.

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[dulcibella]

I found them particularly useful when sailing single-handed. They allow you to secure a jib sheet quickly but safely in a single movement. Thoroughly recommended! If they seem hard to fit, hot water and a drop of washing-up liquid solve the problem.

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