WinchRite electric winch handle

It is a conversion of a Makita 18v 90 degree trigger drill. They aren't cheap to begin with.
And it has a clip on point fitted, so you cant lob it overboard if the torque gets out of hand, so to speak.

Actually, 3 grand cheaper than fitting 1 coachroof and 2 coaming electric winches.

I looked into making one, but added this to my list of must haves before we go away.
 
Milwaulkie 24V rt angle drill has 600lbs ins of torque and Li-Ion batteries.

Works for me - bags of power.

Only available in USA so either website purchase plus import duty or phone a friend.

When I bought it about 4yrs ago about £200 IIRC
 
HHave just found that this unit is available in the UK from

www.winchrite.co.uk

looks to be a nice idea - think i will give it a go for this season

Just looked at the Winchrite video which only shows it doing sissy jobs that I can't imagine needing power assist for (winding furling sails in and out). Any idea how it works on grunty jobs, like trying to get the last six inches of genny sheet in, when there's a good breeze blowing?
 
I do wonder, surely the torque of the winch handle will only turn the winch if there is enough force on the handle to hold it steady. Once the winch is too tough to turn then it'll be the handle that starts spinning right? And so if you've got enough strength to hold the handle in place it surely takes the same amount of strength to simply turn the handle?
 
I use one of these: www.easywinch.com - no electricity, easily mobile (I have 9 winches) and means SWMBO can raise me up the mast. In normal use, winch normally and then use the Easywinch when it gets too much like hard work!

What do you do if there's nothing handy to attach the wire strop to? Is it vital?
 
The wire strop absorbs the torque. I clip it to the nearest handy point - cleat, eye-bolt or the fastening that tensions the spray hood. Don't ask me why, but it doesn't seem to need anything massively strong. If there's a winch, there's usually something close by, or you could extend it with a line if necessary. I've had my Easywinch years and whilst it doesn't get day-to-day use; for mast climbing, weaker crews or when the wind pipes up and I'm delaying reefing, it's worth its weight in the proverbial gold.
 
OP
Appologies for being the old cynic...But since your first post here seems to be advertising, I'de advise you to fill in your bio so we see a bit more about you.

Does anyone know how long the battery lasts?
Matt
 
How much does it cost please and where from? ... do chandlers stock them? I've never seen one before. Just the thing for the mem sahib on a dark and stormy night.

One of the delights of this forum setup is that I can't tell whether your asking the question in response to my posts about the EasyWinch or earlier posts about the WinchRite - If the latter, disregard! If your query is about the easyWinch, as far as I know they're only available from the manufacturer and the cost is something just over £300. Mine was <£200 but then I bought it in 1997 at the Earls Court Boat Show!

I see you're Solent based, you're very welcome to have a look at mine and give it a try if you're interested. Drop me a PM if you wish to take the offer up. You'll find the manufacturers very helpful indeed and if you speak to them, ask for Nigel and tell him Ian said to call.

Regards,

Ian
 
Have just found that this unit is available in the UK from

www.winchrite.co.uk

looks to be a nice idea - think i will give it a go for this season

Call me suspicious, but the person distributing these in the UK came to see me at LIBS, he's called Ian.

The Email address you used to register on YBW.com was Ian Watkins

And the link above is to Waktins Yachting

I might have the wrong end of the winch handle, but it seems like a bit of a coincidence? :)
 
Last edited:
Milwaulkie 24V rt angle drill has 600lbs ins of torque and Li-Ion batteries.

Works for me - bags of power.

Only available in USA so either website purchase plus import duty or phone a friend.

When I bought it about 4yrs ago about £200 IIRC

Sailfree - how do you charge it? Does it come with a 110v charger? or will it accept 240v also?
 
Top