Winchrite Watkins Yachting Good Service

[ditchcrawler]

I bought one of the early Winchrites(electric winch handle) from Watkins yachting the UK agent.At the start of the 3rd season the gearbox failed in one direction.From other posts I knew that a small number of the early models had this problem.
I contacted Ian Watkins and sent it back.It was received back in a short time with the new gearbox and works faultlessly.
Ian kept me updated constantly and the whole procedure was handled in a first class manner.
I have no connection with the company apart from being a satisfied customer.
The Winchrite is ideal for those of us who are getting older and have a dodgy back.

 

[Playtime]

I had an even better experience a couple of days ago of the excellent customer service provided by Ian Watkins .

My Winchrite (approx 15 months old) developed a similar gearbox problem and finally stopped working in either direction during our cross channel passage from Cherbourg to Lymington on Wednesday.

Ian has premises in Lymington so I gave him a call with the idea of getting on my folding bike and cycling there with the broken item. I would then collect it by car in a week or two after it had been repaired. When Ian heard I only had a folding bike for transport and we were planning to leave that afternoon (we berth in Portsmouth) he immediately offered to collect the Winchrite from the marina before midday and get it back to us in time for our planned 4pm departure. It was actually returned to us, with a new gearbox and drive motor fitted, by 3:15 with no charge. Amazing service - thanks Ian!

Like Ditchcrawler I have no connection with the company.

I also confirm that the Winchrite is a great comfort to those of us well past retirement age. It will even haul an average adult up the mast if needed.

Regarding the gearbox problem I believe the solution (for those with the older units) may be to not overstress the gearbox in the high (faster) gear but to change to the slower speed as soon as the torque reaction gets significant. I was regularly approaching motor stall before changing to slower speed.