Why not corded tool for electric winch alternative?

[CurtisM]

Basically that? I know the draw back of having a cord in the cockpit, but I'm basically looking for an electric winch alternative for hoisting my butt up the mast only and the VERY rare occasion when my wife would need to raise the sails (she had a stroke 25 years ago but still trims the sails perfectly and loves the exercise).

Anyway, I've got the Heart/Xantrex setup and it would be simple enough to just plug and go. What am I missing (I always miss something)

[TeddyDiver]

Why not a battery angle drill?

[CurtisM]

Originally Posted by TeddyDiver

Why not a battery angle drill?

Price: corded seems to be cheaper than battery
Convince: For me, batteries seem to always die when I need them most
Power: Corded heavy drills can break your arm clean off because of the torque

[Singularity]

My question isn't the cord so much as the clutch on the typical drill--is it up to the task so that it doesn't break? Or might it break your/your wife's wrist with funky ergonomics? Osteoporosis is a real concern here, particularly with stroke history.

Otherwise one could consider a corded impact driver as an alternative...not a bad tool to have on board.

[TeddyDiver]

Originally Posted by Singularity

My question isn't the cord so much as the clutch on the typical drill--is it up to the task so that it doesn't break? Or might it break your/your wife's wrist with funky ergonomics? Osteoporosis is a real concern here, particularly with stroke history.

Otherwise one could consider a corded impact driver as an alternative...not a bad tool to have on board.

Impact drivers might destroy winches during time...

[Sailor 99]

Originally Posted by CurtisM

Basically that? I know the draw back of having a cord in the cockpit, but I'm basically looking for an electric winch alternative for hoisting my butt up the mast only and the VERY rare occasion when my wife would need to raise the sails (she had a stroke 25 years ago but still trims the sails perfectly and loves the exercise).

Anyway, I've got the Heart/Xantrex setup and it would be simple enough to just plug and go. What am I missing (I always miss something)

You will need an angle drill for sure.

You would be very surprised at the amount of current a 120 volt 13 amp drill will pull off your batteries. The drill will draw 1500 watts at 120volts. Think 125 amps on a clean no loss inverter at 12 volts.

Those are big cables and big batteries your going to need. Your inverter might very well fail over in the time it takes to drag you up the mast.

We use a Milwaukee 28 volt angle drill with 2 angle adaptors to get the gearing down. Much easier on the batteries and the drill. Batteries last 4 times longer with the extra gear down. We destroyed a battery when using it without the second adaptor and it did not take very long. Over heating is bad.

Do not by one of those cheap winch mates either. Have not heard good things.

We have a few batteries. We use the inverter to recharge the battery and we never run out.

Torquey though. Best hang on tight because ya, it can get away from you.

We have most of the toys but if there is anyone around I always prefer 2 people at the bottom. Hard to sail with a broken back.

[Sailor 99]

Originally Posted by TeddyDiver

Impact drivers might destroy winches during time...

I would imagine that would be the case. They(winches) are not designed for that.



They are so so expensive that it is not worth even considering.

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by TeddyDiver

Impact drivers might destroy winches during time...

Tried a 240v rattle gun to lift our tender which uses 3 speed hand crank boat trailer winces.

It rattled a lot but zero crank which was surprising as its not that hard to wind up.

[TeddyDiver]

Originally Posted by Simi 60

Tried a 240v rattle gun to lift our tender which uses 3 speed hand crank boat trailer winces.

It rattled a lot but zero crank which was surprising as its not that hard to wind up.

There's not much torque with rattle guns to talk about and as said they destroy winches (as would a hammer)

[robert sailor]

We use the Milwaukee 28 volt as well and it takes my 190 lbs up the mast like an elevator. We have 2 batteries, never had to change batteries.

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by robert sailor

We use the Milwaukee 28 volt as well and it takes my 190 lbs up the mast like an elevator. We have 2 batteries, never had to change batteries.

A spare battery solves the issue of running out of juice unexpectedly.

Also, wet 120v non-marine equipment doesn't seem a good idea.

[sailm8]

I bought the Milwaukee to go up the mast. Does not work with a single speed winch. It would not lift 180 lbs more than 2 feet.

[Scorpius]

Originally Posted by CurtisM

Basically that? I know the draw back of having a cord in the cockpit, but I'm basically looking for an electric winch alternative for hoisting my butt up the mast only and the VERY rare occasion when my wife would need to raise the sails (she had a stroke 25 years ago but still trims the sails perfectly and loves the exercise).

Anyway, I've got the Heart/Xantrex setup and it would be simple enough to just plug and go. What am I missing (I always miss something)

Too hard on the inverter, battery, and cables. I have a Milwaukee M28 cordless angle drill that, using a two speed winch running in low (backwards), can haul me (at 230 lbs. I'm ashamed to say) easily up the mast.

[jfmaguidhir]

Hi,
Would like to ask what are the 2 angle adaptors used with the Milwaukie 28 angle drill.
Thanks

[wnischt]

This is exactly what I have done! My wife easily is able to take me up the mast. She hand wenched me up one time in the Bahamas in 90F and that was all I needed to make the decision. It took everything she’ had to get me up our 60ft mast. I have a generator and a back-up Honda generator!, therefore did not buy the rechargeable Milwaukee Right Angle Drill. We also use it to raise the sails when installing them after hurricane season.

I will say, you need to go slow. The torque is incredible. The variable speed works great!