Electric winch driver

[Pizzazz]

I have been looking at these electric winch drivers for a while and wanted to share some of my research and get opinions of the community. So, the basic premise is that we take a winch bit ($35) and use it on a high torque electric tool to raise the mainsail or genoa. Sometimes to raise a person to the top of the mast.

The general consensus is that the Milwaukee M28 drill is best suited for the task. It has 0-400 rpms range and max torque of 1080 lb-in. It is heavy and expensive though and it is unclear if it produces its max torque and lower rpms.

The professional tools are Winchrite ($750, 1,300 lb-in torque, 130 rpms max) and Ewincher ($1,750, 750 lb-in torque, 80 rpms max). So, we need as much torque as possible and lower rpms. Here is what I found on Amazon:

Durofix cordless ratchet wrench, 12V, $129, 600 lb-in torque, 0-195 rpm. Comes with a battery and charger the speed seems to be perfect. There are lots of other power wrenches, torque seems to vary from 350 to 600 lb-in and they look like a winch handle which would allow applying additional force when needed.

A modern drill, such as the Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL, 18V, $127+battery, claims 1,200 lb-in max torque, 0-550 rpm. The torque number is attractive and superior to the M28, it is lighter but the shape is nowhere as elegant as the ratchet wrench.

Any thoughts?

SV Pizzazz