Experience with electric winch handles

[doublebubble]

Just wondering how many people have experience with electric winch handles? I would like to purchase one as electric winch's for our 50ft cat is just not going to happen, the wife and I are about to finalize our equipment to head off on what they call living the dream and thought one of these may just be usefull, I was able to locate two brands, Ewincher and the Winchrite, the Ewincher looks and sounds like the preferred option but it's quite pricey or is there any other brands avaliable, not really interested in using an battery drill, so does anybody have any recommendations, Australia seems to be a little lacking in products avaliable.

Regards Rod.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Howdy and Welcome Aboard CF!

The subject of “Electric Winch Handles” is one that has been discussed on CF, and some senior sailors (very experienced) with many ocean miles have recommended them.

Here is an older thread that discusses some of the options with particular mention of some preferred brands and bits.
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ndle-8497.html

I hope this helps.
Good luck on your decision.

P.S. I recently sailed 640nm on a 52’ cat that had electric winches and they made it much easier to raise the main. I have sailed on other boats with electric winches and they really will spoil you (or your wife or crew), if you get them or the alternative (drill).

[StuM]

Milwaukee right angle drill?



It's always good to have multi-purpose devices on board.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by StuM

Milwaukee right angle drill?



It's always good to have multi-purpose devices on board.

Stu, he specifically said that he's not interested in a converted drill. He didn't say why he isn't interested in the best option! (My opinion as a user of such).

Jim

[SVToucan]

The Toucan is a 43' cat ketch so two masts and two very heavy full batten sails. I nearly always single hand. I've been using the Winchrite for more than 4 years to raise the sails. I can crank jp the sails by hand and i can retrieve an anchor manually but I'll give up my anchor windlass before I'd give up the Winchrite.

The battery easily raises both sails 6 times between charges. Probably not sanctioned, but it's taken people to the masthead a time or two as well.

I recommend Winchrite with absolute conviction.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

Stu, he specifically said that he's not interested in a converted drill. He didn't say why he isn't interested in the best option! (My opinion as a user of such).

Jim

Oops, missed that

[doublebubble]

I'm not completely against the drill method, maybe I'm wrong that it will definatly need two hands on the drill where it seems possible to use the Winchrite or the Ewincher with one hand whilst haveing a spare hand for, let's say emergency tailing which I think would be easier for the better half to handle, sure it's alot cheaper I don't know, but would be interested on honest thoughts on the middle of the range Winchrite as the Ewincher here in Australia is $4000.00.

Regards Rod.

[a64pilot]

Once you get the drill into the winch, it’s easy to use one handed.
The drill however is no light weight thing. Mine is lighter than most as the chuck has been removed, that saves a pound or two, but it still takes two hands to hold it level and put it in the winch, you can carry it one handed of course.

[Jim Cate]

I find the Milwaukee easy to use one handed... until the torque builds up. Then I'm not strong enough to hold it, and the other hand is required. Note that this isn't exclusive to the Millie, you have to supply a counter force equal to what the device is putting into the winch no matter which marque you are using. The Millie is pretty long... longer than a standard winch handle which helps... I don't know how long the lever arm is on the proprietary handles.

And having a heavy duty right angle drill has been handy a few times!

Jim

[out42]

I have an 18 metre 2:1 hoist with a heavy dacron main. I converted a tank opening key by simply cutting off the handle leaving a spigot and use a cheap (£40) hand drill to drive it. Works brilliantly, can be used on any other winch as the end fitting is the same, and I have a drill!
Why complicate?

[PuttingDoctor]

As a singlehander I have come to appreciate my Winchrite. I would not hesitate to recommend this product.

[amanoni]

I have the Winchrite. Mainly my wife uses it whilst trimming the main and outhaul. We also use it for the times when I need to be hoisted atop for something. It is a really torque-y device, as such a two-hands are needed to control effectively.

[doublebubble]

Thanks for the input certainly appreciated, the Ewincher has just been introduced here in Aus in June 18 as per the email recieved 14/08/18 from the French manufacturer, the distributor here will be coming to Adelaide early September to give me a demo on our own cat and sounds keen to move one, pretty exy on the price though, sounds like people have had more good than bad experiences with the Winchrite at a much lower cost for the same job so after the demo we'll make a decision on which way to go, thanks again.

Regards Rod.

[Akapeterc]

We Have a winchrite which works pretty good

[sailcrazy]

Having used our right-angle Milwaukee for the last 7 years, I would highly recommend it. It gives you a longer moment arm, so 1-hand ops is possible. We carry 2 batts, and have never run out of batt pwr when we use it for going up the stick, reefing the jib under load, bringing the dink up onto the foredeck, and-oh-occasionally using it as a drill! And always with just a single hand..for either me or the admiral. Without a doubt, one of the best pieces of kit we've ever bought. Highly recommend it!