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Sail Boat Winches: The Ultimate Guide

by Emma Sullivan | Aug 5, 2023 | Sailboat Gear and Equipment

Short answer: Sail boat winches

Sail boat winches are mechanical devices used on sailboats to assist in hoisting, trimming, and controlling sails. They consist of a drum or wheel around which the line is wound, providing leverage to adjust sail tension and maneuver the boat efficiently. These essential components contribute to the overall performance and handling of sailboats during sailing activities.

Understanding Sail Boat Winches: A Beginner’s Guide

Title: Understanding Sail Boat Winches: A Beginner’s Guide

Introduction: Sailing is an exhilarating experience that combines the awe of nature with the technical skills required to navigate the open waters. One crucial component of any sailboat is the winch , a mechanical device that allows sailors to control and adjust the sails. In this beginner’s guide, we will delve into the world of sail boat winches, unraveling their mechanisms, types, and importance in sailing.

1. The Functionality Behind Sail Boat Winches: When it comes to manipulating sails efficiently, sail boat winches come to the rescue. These devices work by utilizing a drum-shaped spool around which sailors wrap ropes or cables called sheets. By rotating this drum with a handle or an electric motor, immense force can be exerted onto these sheets for adjusting various aspects of your sails such as tension and angle.

2. Types of Sail Boat Winches: There are two main types of sail boat winches—self-tailing and standard winches. Standard winches require manual tailing or holding onto the sheet while turning the handle to increase or decrease tension. On the other hand, self-tailing winches feature a built-in mechanism that automatically grips and holds onto the line when it is turned in one direction but easily releases when rotated in reverse.

3. Choosing the Right Size for Your Vessel: Selecting an appropriate size for your sail boat winch is crucial as it will directly impact its functionality on deck. Factors such as displacement (weight), type of sailing (cruising or racing), and anticipated wind conditions all dictate what size winch you should choose. It is advisable to consult experienced sailors or experts who can guide you towards making an informed decision.

4. Maintenance Tips for Optimal Performance: Like any mechanical equipment, sail boat winches require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance throughout their lifespan. Here are some key maintenance tips:

– Regularly lubricate winches to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation. – Clean the self-tailing mechanism periodically, as dirt and grime can hinder its functionality. – Check for any signs of wear or damage, such as frayed ropes or loose parts, and replace them immediately to avoid accidents.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid: In the excitement of sailing, beginners often make some common mistakes when it comes to sail boat winches. Here are a few things to steer clear of:

– Overloading the winch: Be aware of the winch’s load-bearing capacity and avoid pushing it beyond its limits. Overloading can lead to premature wear and tear or even breakage. – Not using proper techniques: Take the time to learn proper winching techniques such as tailing or wrapping the line correctly around the drum. This ensures efficient power transfer, preventing unnecessary strain on both you and the winch.

Conclusion: Understanding sail boat winches paves the way for a smoother sailing experience. By grasping their functionality, choosing wisely according to your vessel’s needs, conducting regular maintenance, and avoiding common mistakes, you will unlock an essential skill that truly elevates your sailing adventures . So go ahead, hoist those sails confidently with your newfound knowledge of sail boat winches!

How to Properly Use Sail Boat Winches: Step-by-Step Instructions

Sailing enthusiasts know that properly using sailboat winches is crucial for smooth sailing and efficient maneuvering. These powerful devices are used to handle sails, control lines, and make adjustments on the boat. However, if used incorrectly, they can lead to strained muscles or even accidents on board. In this step-by-step guide, we will take you through the process of using sailboat winches correctly to ensure a safe and enjoyable sailing experience.

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with Winch Components Before embarking on your sailing journey, it is essential to understand the different components of a sailboat winch . The three main components are the drum (where the line wraps around), the handle attachment point (often referred to as the “winch socket”), and the winch handle itself.

Step 2: Assess Line Placement Take a moment to assess how various lines are set up on your boat . Identify which lines go through specific winches or blocks connected to them. Understanding this configuration will help you determine which winch you need to use for each task.

Step 3: Choosing the Correct Winch Size Not all winches are created equal. Sailboats usually have multiple winches onboard, each with a different purpose based on load requirements. Choose an appropriately sized winch based on the size and tension of the line you will be handling.

Step 4: Securely Attach Winch Handle Once you have selected the appropriate winch, firmly attach its handle to the winch socket by sliding it in and giving it a slight twist until it locks in place securely. Always ensure that the handle is fully engaged before applying any force.

Step 5: Winding Lines onto Drum To start winding lines onto the drum, hold onto the standing part of the line (the part that doesn’t move) with one hand while turning clockwise with your other hand on top of the drum using gentle pressure. Gradually increase the pressure as needed, but remember to avoid excessive force to prevent damage to the winch or potential injuries.

Step 6: Releasing Tension When you need to release tension from a line, hold onto the standing part with one hand and use your other hand on top of the drum. Turn counterclockwise while maintaining control of the line’s speed. Always keep track of your fingers’ positions and be cautious not to get them caught between the line and drum.

Step 7: Two-Person Operation For larger boats or when handling heavy loads, consider using a two-person operation method for increased safety and efficiency. One person can handle managing the lines while another operates the winch handle, ensuring smoother coordination and reducing strain on both individuals.

Step 8: Regular Maintenance Proper maintenance ensures longevity and optimal functionality. Regularly inspect your winches for signs of wear, lubricate them according to manufacturer guidelines, and replace worn parts promptly. This upkeep will help prevent unexpected failures at critical moments during your sailing adventures .

By following these step-by-step instructions on using sailboat winches properly, you can navigate with confidence, maintain control over your sails, and enhance overall safety while out on the water. Remember always to prioritize caution and respect for these powerful tools – they are there to make sailing more manageable, more enjoyable, and above all else, safe!

Frequently Asked Questions about Sail Boat Winches: Your Answers Revealed

If you are a sailor or boat enthusiast , then chances are you have come across the term “winch” at some point. Sail boat winches are an essential piece of equipment that play a crucial role in controlling and maneuvering your sailboat. However, despite their importance, many people still have questions about how they work and why they are so vital on a sailing vessel . In this blog post, we will dive deep into the frequently asked questions about sail boat winches to provide you with detailed, professional, witty, and clever explanations.

1. What is a sail boat winch?

A sail boat winch is a mechanical device designed to make it easier to hoist sails by multiplying the force exerted by the crew members. It consists of several important components such as the drum (where the rope is wound), gears (to increase power), and handles (to turn the winch). By using leverage and gearing mechanisms, sailors can effortlessly control high loads and adjust sail settings with minimal effort.

2. Why do I need a winch on my sailboat ?

Well, imagine trying to hoist a heavy mainsail or trim a jib without any assistance – it would be quite the workout! Sail boat winches allow sailors to efficiently handle large loads produced by strong winds and heavy sails. They enable precise control over various aspects of sailing like raising or lowering sails, adjusting tension in lines, and controlling angles during maneuvers. Without winches, performing these tasks would require immense physical strength that could quickly exhaust even the most seasoned sailors.

3. How do I choose the right winch for my sailboat ?

The size and type of sailboat winch depend on several factors such as boat size, rigging setup, type of sailing (cruising or racing), and personal preferences. Generally speaking, larger boats with more powerful rigs require larger winches to handle the higher loads. However, it’s important to strike a balance as excessively oversized winches can be unnecessarily heavy and harder to operate efficiently. Consulting with experts or seeking advice from experienced sailors is always recommended when selecting the right winch for your specific sailboat .

4. Can I use an electric winch instead of a manual one?

Absolutely! Electric winches have become increasingly popular among sailors due to their convenience and ease of use. Electric winches are powered by electricity and can significantly reduce physical effort , making them an excellent option for those with limited strength or on larger boats where loads can be substantial. However, it’s worth noting that electric winches come at a higher cost compared to their manual counterparts, require additional wiring and power supply, and may need regular maintenance.

5. How do I properly maintain my sail boat winches?

To ensure your sail boat winches keep performing optimally, regular maintenance is essential. Firstly, keep them clean! Saltwater, sand, and grime can cause corrosion and damage over time. Lubricating the moving parts regularly using appropriate marine-grade lubricants will help prevent wear and tear while ensuring smooth operation. Inspecting the components for any signs of damage or excessive wear is critical to catching potential issues early on before they turn into bigger problems.

Now that we’ve revealed the answers to some frequently asked questions about sail boat winches, you should have a better understanding of their importance in sailing, how to choose the right one for your sailboat, consider electric options if desired, and maintain them properly for optimal performance. So go ahead – hoist those sails with confidence knowing that your trusty winch has got your back!

Choosing the Right Sail Boat Winch for Your Needs: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you an avid sailor looking to upgrade your sail boat winch? Or, perhaps you’re new to sailing and in need of guidance on how to choose the perfect winch for your needs. Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the right sail boat winch.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that a sail boat winch plays a crucial role in managing and adjusting the tension of your sails. It allows sailors to control their sails effortlessly, ensuring smooth sailing experiences without any manual exertion. But with so many options available on the market, choosing the right sail boat winch can be overwhelming.

To simplify the process, let’s break down some key factors that should influence your decision-making:

1. Size and Power: The size and power of a sail boat winch should correspond to the size and weight of your boat as well as the strength needed for efficient operation. Consider factors such as the size of your sails, wind conditions in your sailing area, and the effort required for control. Opting for a more powerful winch may provide ease of use in challenging conditions or if you have physical limitations.

2. Self-Tailing Functionality: Do you desire convenience while on deck? If so, consider investing in a self-tailing winch. This nifty feature allows for easy one-handed operation by automatically holding onto lines when released or during adjustment. It eliminates the need for additional crew members or using extra equipment like clamps or cleats – definitely handy!

3. Winch Material: When it comes to materials used in making sail boat winches, stainless steel is often a popular choice due to its durability against harsh marine environments. However, aluminum options are lighter and less expensive while still providing decent performance.

4. Gear Ratio: The gear ratio refers to how many turns are required on the handle or drum to turn the line (rope) on the winch. A higher gear ratio will provide greater power, allowing you to control larger sails or handle higher wind loads with less effort. Conversely, a lower gear ratio will require more physical exertion but can be ideal for smaller boats or lighter sail handling.

5. Single Speed vs. Two-Speed Winches: Single speed winches function with a fixed gear ratio while two-speed winches offer the ability to switch between different gear ratios using a secondary speed handle or button. If you frequently sail in variable wind conditions, having the flexibility of switching gears quickly can be advantageous.

6. Maintenance and Ease of Use: Consider how easy it is to maintain and service the winch. Look for models that have accessible parts and clear instructions for lubrication and cleaning. This ensures longevity and keeps your winch performing at its best for years to come.

7. Budget: While cost should never be the sole determinant, it is worth considering your budgetary limitations before making a purchase. Remember that investing in a high-quality sail boat winch may save you money in the long run by providing increased reliability and minimizing maintenance costs.

So there you have it – a comprehensive guide to assist you in choosing the right sail boat winch for your needs! By considering factors such as size and power, self-tailing functionality, materials used, gear ratio options, single speed vs. two-speed choices, maintenance requirements, and budget constraints, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision that enhances your sailing experience .

Fair winds and happy sailing !

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Sail Boat Winches

Sailing enthusiasts and boat owners alike can attest to the excitement and joy that comes with setting sail, harnessing the power of the wind, and gliding across the open waters. And when it comes to maneuvering your sailboat efficiently, winches are an essential tool. These mechanical devices make it easier to control and adjust the sails, maximizing their efficiency and ensuring a smooth sailing experience.

However, even experienced sailors can occasionally fall victim to certain mistakes when using sail boat winches. To ensure that you make the most of these valuable tools, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of common mistakes that you should avoid:

1. Neglecting Proper Maintenance One of the biggest oversights sailors often make is neglecting regular maintenance on their sailboat winches . Over time, saltwater exposure, debris accumulation, and general wear and tear can cause winches to become less effective or even malfunction entirely. It’s crucial to clean your winches regularly (especially after every outing), lubricate them with appropriate grease or oil, inspect for any damage or corrosion, and replace parts as necessary.

2. Improper Usage Winch systems are designed specifically for certain operations such as hoisting sails or trimming lines. Using them incorrectly not only decreases their efficiency but also increases the risk of accidents or equipment damage. Familiarize yourself with your specific winch system’s capabilities by thoroughly reading through its user manual.

3. Overloading Winch Capacity Each winch has a specific load capacity which must never be exceeded; otherwise, you risk damaging the gears or even causing them to fail altogether. Make sure you understand your sailboat’s specifications regarding maximum loads per winch size before loading it up excessively.

4. Incorrect Line Placement Placing lines incorrectly on the winch drum is another common mistake made by both beginners and experienced sailors alike. A misaligned line can lead to poor control over sheet tension or cause slipping during critical moments. Always ensure that the line wraps evenly and securely around the winch drum, without overlapping or crossing over itself.

5. Jerky and Rapid Cranking Using excessive force or aggressively cranking the winch handle in a jerky manner can put unnecessary strain on both the winch and yourself. It’s essential to maintain smooth , controlled movements when cranking the winch handle. Distribute your efforts evenly, using your whole body instead of relying solely on arm strength for a more efficient technique.

6. Ignoring Safety Precautions Operating sailboat winches without taking proper safety precautions can lead to severe injuries or accidents. Ensure that loose clothing or jewelry is secured before handling winches to prevent entanglement. Additionally, wearing appropriate gloves will provide you with a better grip while decreasing the chances of rope burns or blisters.

7. Lack of Communication In any sailing endeavor involving multiple crew members, communication is crucial when it comes to working with winches effectively. Failing to communicate clearly about intended maneuvers or anticipated adjustments can lead to confusion and mistakes, compromising both efficiency and safety. Establish clear signals and procedures beforehand to minimize misunderstandings when operating sailboat winches.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll undoubtedly be able to enjoy smoother sailing experiences while prolonging the life of your sailboat winches significantly. Remember, it’s essential always to prioritize safety and maintain regular maintenance routines for optimal performance on your sailing adventures !

Tips and Tricks for Maintaining and Troubleshooting Sail Boat Winches

To all the passionate sailors out there, we know that sailboat winches are a crucial part of your sailing experience. These mechanical wonders help control and trim sails, making your boat glide gracefully through the water . However, like any other piece of equipment on a sailboat, winches require regular maintenance and occasionally encounter problems. Fear not! In this blog post, we will reveal some valuable tips and tricks for maintaining and troubleshooting sailboat winches like a pro.

1. Understand Your Winch: Before diving into maintenance or troubleshooting, it’s essential to understand how your specific winch works. Study the manufacturer’s manual or consult an experienced sailor to gain a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved. This knowledge will serve as your foundation throughout the process.

2. Cleanliness is Key: Saltwater, sand, and grime can quickly build up on sailboat winches, compromising their functionality. Make cleaning a regular part of your maintenance routine. Use freshwater to rinse off any dirt or salt residue from the winch drum, gears, and pawls. A small brush can be handy for reaching intricate areas.

3. Grease Them Up: Lubrication plays a vital role in ensuring smooth operation and longevity of your winches . Apply high-quality marine grease to lubricate moving parts such as gears and pawls periodically but avoid over-greasing which can attract debris.

4. Check for Wear and Tear: Regular inspections are crucial to identify signs of wear and tear before they become major issues during your sailing adventures . Pay close attention to the condition of drum bearings, gear teeth, pawls, springs, and screws – any abnormalities should be addressed promptly by replacing or repairing worn-out components.

5. Tension Adjustment: Maintaining proper tension on your winch lines will enhance performance while reducing wear on ropes (halyards) or sheets in use. Familiarize yourself with different types of line grips available for your winch model to optimize tension settings accordingly.

6. Smooth Rotation: Ratchet mechanisms play a vital role in sailboat winches, ensuring that the drum rotates freely when sailing but locks when you need it to. If you’re experiencing excessive resistance or the ratchet is slipping, it may be time to disassemble and inspect these crucial parts for wear or debris accumulation that hinder smooth rotation.

7. Pawl Springs: The pawls and springs are responsible for holding the line securely in place after each winching action. Inspect these components to ensure they engage smoothly and securely with no signs of weakness or damage. Replace any worn-out pawl springs promptly as they can affect the reliability of your winch.

8. Winch Servicing Kit: Consider investing in a winch servicing kit designed specifically for your brand and model. These kits usually contain an assortment of replacement parts, such as new pawls, springs, bearings, and seals – all conveniently packaged together for easy maintenance.

9. Seek Professional Assistance when Needed: Sailboat winches can be intricate pieces of machinery requiring specific expertise for complex repairs or maintenance tasks. If you encounter major problems beyond your capabilities, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from experienced marine mechanics or reputable sailboat service centers.

10. Prevention is Better than Cure: Regular maintenance is key to avoiding unexpected issues during crucial moments at sea. Establish a maintenance schedule and stick to it diligently – this will ensure that your sailboat winches are always ready for action when you cast off!

Now armed with these essential tips and tricks for maintaining and troubleshooting your sailboat winches, you’ll be able to keep them functioning at their best while enjoying worry-free sailing adventures on open waters! Happy sailing!

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Winches Part 2

8 winches, old and new, get a serious sea trial..

In our second look at sailboat winches, we put the deck hardware into action, sea trialing traditional winches that have stood the test of time as well as the newest trends in winch design. Our goal was to hone in on the operational aspects of each winch, scrutinizing how each drum handled line loads and noting which drum shapes were less prone to overrides. Testers also compared the effectiveness of self-tailing systems and the various drum surface finishes used to keep the line from slipping.

In order to expand on observations made during our winch bench testing, which was reported on in Part 1 of this series ( The Ubiquitous Winch , PS August 2016 online), testers tracked down a number of cruising boats and racers equipped with the hardware we were evaluating. After sailing aboard a variety of sailboats, testers weighed the winches performance results and their observations to further define what each winch had to offer.

What We Tested

To keep within the parameters of the initial review, we narrowed our focus to winch options appropriate for 30- to 45-foot sailboats and went sailing on boats that fit within this size range. This led us to the major manufacturers of deck hardware: Andersen, Harken, Lewmar, Selden, and Antal. We also evaluated winches from Pontos, a newcomer to PS testing; details on this company and its products can be found in the August 2016 winch review .

Although a surprising number of midsized cruisers are turning to pushbutton winches, for now, our attention is aimed at manual winches. We must point out, however, that Andersen, Harken, Lewmar, and Antal offer manual winches that can be converted to power.

Sea-trialing refurbished, old winch favorites gave us a benchmark for measuring new product innovations. We bench tested, disassembled, inspected, measured, weighed, and micro-photographed both the new designs and the old standbys. Testers noted many valuable advancements and ergonomic upgrades in the new winches, but one trend-an increased number of plastic parts-raised questions about longevity.

How We Tested

During the sea trials, we evaluated how easy it was to wrap a sheet around the drum, ease it under load, and strip it off in a tack. We looked closely at self-tailers versus an open drum top and why most serious racing sailors still favor the non-self-tailing winch when it comes to sheet and guy handling.

In Part 1 of this series, gear ratio grabbed our attention, and the Pontos four-speed Grinder and Trimmer models were bench-test standouts. We made a special trip to Maine to test sail these innovative winches aboard Bernie Blums 39-foot InBox, a unique Bob Perry design that Blum has set up for single-handed cruising and club racing.

In addition to sea-trialing these new winches, we surveyed three professional sailmakers who commented on what winch attributes they look for aboard the wide range of boats that they sail. Those interviews appear with the online version of this article at www.practical-sailor.com.

During our initial inspections, testers noted the advantages of a slight taper on the drum shape. This helps coax line downward on the drum to alleviate overrides.

As for drum surfaces, typically, the operator can control friction on any winch. One wrap is for fast hauling, and three wraps are for winching, but this is just a starting point. Heavy loads on a narrow-radius drum may require more wraps than the same load on a large-radius drum. Also wrapping and unwrapping to control loads can be counter-productive.

Friction from a ribbed drum, popularized by Andersen winches, is a great friend when trimming. Others use knurled or abrasive drums. Too much grip can be a problem, however, when a slight, smooth ease is desired. Likewise, having to take turns off the drum in order to simply ease a sheet is counter-productive. The fact that Harken and other makers are adopting ribbed drum surface made us eager to compare drum designs.

The older winches that are still in service today gave us an important longevity baseline. Establishing which products have survived the test of time-and which design factors and material selection have enabled their longevity-set the stage for a comparative analysis. Our intent was to compare and contrast the new winches designs and materials with what has worked in the past, concluding with a look at operational efficiency as well as the potential for durability.

Old-school Survivors

Barient is still probably one of the most familiar names in marine winches, even though production stopped more than a decade ago after the company was purchased by Lewmar. West Marine, among other retailers, still sells replacement parts for these winches, and with proper care, even the aluminum Barient winches can be kept in fine working order for years to come. (See Winch Servicing Basics , PS October 2016 online.) With a new winch costing several hundred dollars, repairing an old winch is often the most cost-effective option.

This past summer, PS Technical Editor Ralph Naranjo spent five days sailing the East Coast aboard a 28-year-old McCurdy and Rhodes 44 (ex-Navy 44) with its original set of Barient winches. The hardware had recently been stripped cleaned and inspected, and worn pawls had been replaced. The maintenance process for these winches is relatively easy since the winch components can be removed, leaving the base in place. One of the reasons that these stainless-steel winches on the former Navy boats have held up is that the boats design spec called for oversized hardware. This meant that the winches had an extra safety margin to cope with the shock loads of a knockdown and could handle the cranking power of an uber-fit midshipman. Regular maintenance also ensured longevity. In our opinion, old Barients (or the Australian-made look-alikes from Barlow) can continue to offer good service if maintained and properly oversized for the job; they are Budget Buy picks.

Modern Winches

Initially, we were a little concerned about catalog and advertising blurbs that began with terms like styling upgrades, a modern look and lighter than ever. In other industries, these are code words for lesser quality and planned obsolescence, so throughout our testing, we were on the lookout for shortcuts in quality.

The glass-reinforced plastic used in newer winches has proved durable in other applications, but for those whod prefer traditional, high-nickel-content stainless and bronze winches, that option remains. Harken, Lewmar, Andersen, and Antal still offer lineups of traditional, all metal or mostly metal winches. Prices for many of these classics can be higher, but depending on the brand, the gap is not as great as one might expect.

Lewmar designs and manufactures winches that fit a wide range of sailboat sizes, and despite a significant trend toward electric and hydraulic products (a topic for future investigation), it continues to offer a variety of manual winches, including its time-proven Ocean model lineup. Recently, however, its less expensive Evo self-tailing and open-top winches have been garnering favor from both racers and cruisers. Its quick, no tool disassembly expedites servicing, and a center stem supports the spindle, ratchet, and pawl gears, as well as a bearing pack that does its job.

We sailed a race boat and a cruiser with the Lewmar Evo self-tailers and compared them with the classic line of stainless-steel Ocean winches used on the Navy 44 MKII. The Lewmar feeder arm and self-tailing jaw on the new Evo were quite unobtrusive compared to those on the Ocean winches. Even purists who would typically eschew adding weight or complexity have set up their club and ocean racers with self-tailers.

The Evos have a textured drum surface that grips sheets and halyards effectively and also delivers a smooth, even easing capacity. The new Lewmar winch handle is easy to lock in place and to release, plus the hand grip with a rotating top knob allows the grinder to use two hands when the loads increase.

Bottom line: The new Evo winches are an attractive price-point alternative for the popular Ocean Series, particularly for casual cruisers and racers. That said, the Ocean Series winches have a proven durability that will appeal strongly to the offshore cruising sailor. Recommended.

Harkens latest lineup includes Radial and Performa models plus its Classic winch line, which features a tried-and-proven, all-metal design available in bronze, chrome bronze, and stainless steel. Harken has tried several drum shapes and surfaces, and for the Performa line, the maker settled on a surface that is sandblasted and a radially ribbed drum. This combination allows more holding power with fewer wraps but still allows smooth easing.

Under sail, we liked the function of the 402STAs one-piece line guide and peeler. Time will tell whether the composite bearings and other injection-molded parts will hold up as well as the metallurgy in its Classic models, but two things were clear: Both the Performa and Radial winches were ergonomically designed, and the drums did an effective job taming the lines.

Bottom line: Production boatbuilders have flocked to Harken hardware in recent years, and this growth in domestic sales has prompted more research and development-as well as a steady supply of spare parts. Recommended.

Andersens 40ST is a carefully crafted, all-metal winch with an aluminum-bronze alloy base and internal support structure for its stainless steel, vertically ribbed drum. Bronze gears rotate on well-supported, stainless-steel axles, and ball and roller bearings are used to reduce friction. These winches have long been recognized for their structural quality and reliability and are favored among many long-distance cruisers.

Testers liked how the jib sheets behaved on the polished and ribbed stainless-steel drum. The ribs provide sufficient line-holding power to resist sheet tension while still allowing the line to vertically slide and stack evenly on the drum as the sail trimmed. When it came time to ease a sheet, the line conveniently slid off the drum without any tension spikes or line surges.

Bottom line: Well-made winches with worldwide cruiser appeal and easy parts availability, the Andersen 40ST is a Best Choice.

The Antal XT40 is a winch with an evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, history. Its base is a high-strength, machined part as opposed to an anodized aluminum casting found in other winches. Bronze gears and stainless-steel shafts, along with a chrome bronze or anodized aluminum drum, are galvanically isolated with washers.

The self-tailer auto adapts to a wide range of line diameters. It also has a feature that allows the line to slip if the self-tailer arm is overloaded. This keeps the self-tailing mechanism from being damaged and prevents lines from wedging in so hard that it prevents release.

Bottom line: The vertical knurling on the chrome drum provided ample friction and still allows smooth release. The positive ratcheting function easily locks into place. This model was recently updated with a different drum mechanism and renamed the XT series. Recommended.

Selden has two winch designs, and in our bench testing and on-the-water trials, they delivered just what the specs called for. The R40 is a reversing winch in which the handle stays set while sailing, and the helmsperson simply counter-rotates the winch handle; the smooth easing action affords a fine-tune trim control of the jib sheet. We set off with a fair share of skepticism about the benefit of a reversing winch, but after a few tacks, we found it a to be a logical pathway to better sail trim. Its a great feature for the daysailor or club racer who sails shorthanded.

The S40 is a lightweight, two-speed winch that makes one-person sheeting a breeze. With the line snugly gripped by the self-tailer and the winch handle in place, you can manually pull in the slack without any added friction. When the load is too much, start cranking. No more fiddling to fit the loaded line in the tailer and put the winch handle in place.

The base is a well-designed composite structure, and we plan to long-term test the winch to see how well the materials hold up in comparison to winches with metal base assemblies.

Bottom line: Seldens reputation for solid engineering and fabrication rings true in its winch offerings. Both the S40 and R40 are Recommended.

At the heart of Pontos Trimmer and Grinder winches is a unique clutch-and-trigger mechanism that auto-downshifts and upshifts according to the rotary force applied by the winch handle. This auto-shifting action seamlessly bridges two, higher speed/lower power gear ratios with two lower speed/higher power gear ratios. In essence, Pontos four-speed winches provide a much wider gear-ratio range in a winch that looks like a conventional two-speed.

In field tests, the Trimmer delivered the goods, taking all of the drudgery out of sheeting the last few inches on a highly loaded genoa. The process is a bit like down-shifting on a 10-speed while trying to climb a steep hill. What had been a two-handed strain became an easy one-handed twist. Testers were particularly pleased with the Grinder version of the winch, which has a ratio range that proves a real value in fast tacking and in outside asymmetric spinnaker jibes.

Bottom line: The Trimmers four-speed transmission worked flawlessly, and the execution of an innovative design impressed testers during field trials. Another Best Choice pick.

Testers found something to recommend in each of the winches. It came down to preferences. Our focus on drum surface adaptations showed the new textures improved grip at little cost to lines. Testers liked the Harkens diagonal ribs when it came to one-wrap trimming. The Lewmar Evos abrasive drum gripped sheets like the brakes on a Porsche. Andersen and Antal excelled in rugged design, while Selden delivered innovative tools for shorthanded sailing.

Innovations that showed up in our bench testing delivered the goods during sea trials. Under sail, the Best Choice Pontos Trimmer proved to be the most innovative new design, especially for shorthanded cruisers or racers.

The auto-shifting, four-speed gear selection process was hands-free and dead easy. As soon as we got to about 25 pounds of input load, there was a noticeable click, signaling that the person cranking should reverse the direction to shift gears. Doing so yielded a lower gear ratio, and if that was not enough, you could revers cranking direction two more times to harness the lowest gear (highest power). The net effect is a low-low gear with a super hauling power ratio.

If the wind slackens and the cranking requirements become less demanding, theres another clicking sound and the low-range doublet auto-upshifts back into normal two-speed operation. Without a doubt, the innovation award goes to Pontos for designing a four-speed, auto-shifting manual winch, and building it with easy-to-service, modularized components.

The only question our testing leaves unresolved is the durability issue. Internally, the Pontos Trimmer is an elegant bit of engineering, but it is more complex than the average, two-speed winch, and it has are more plastic parts-though disassembly and parts replacement are easy to do. We wonder about the toll that temperature changes, grit, and chemical contamination can have on these winches a few decades down the road. However, the big advantages of the engineering offset these concerns, in our opinion.

• Winches: Ratios and Reality

Efficiency is a key attribute in a winch, although this difficult to assess at a glance—thus, our many repeated tests on the water and in the lab.

1.The Pontos Grinder and Trimmer differ in their four-speed ratios.

2. Selden’s reversible R40 switches into ease mode with the push of a winch-handle button.

3. Winch-drum radius is a key dimension when it comes to calculating a winch’s power ratio.

4. Selden uses a simple metric hex wench to release the S40’s top plate, enabling disassembly.

5. The angles iin Harken’s radially ribbed and textured drum are designed to prevent over-rides and facilitate a smooth release.

6. A ancient, two-speed Barlow 28 with an aftermarket selftailer assembly still does the job.

• Anderson Winches
• Three Sailing Pros Speak Out

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