Winch sizes?

[rowingdude]

Hi everyone. I've seen a multitude of winches out there. I'm going to be purchasing a boat and then outfitting it for singlehanding.

My question is this: If I buy rigging gear (blocks, winches, crimps) for say a 35' type setup then end up with a 30-32' boat, will I risk damage? I know this sounds silly, but I'm thinking that a bigger winch will have to work "less" than a smaller one and blocks that aren't being used to their maximum effort would last longer?

I don't really know if this makes sense, but I'd appreciate any input.

[James S]

I'm not sure I'd be buying stuff for a boat I have not yet identified, of purchased.
To answer your question....I cant see any problem with using an over sized winch as long as it still has the room for mounting.
Most of this type stuff is sized for the design loads.

[delmarrey]

IMHO Bigger is better! It's the cost that usually keeps people from going any larger then necessary.

I don't know what damage it could do other then overload sheet and rigging. But that happens anyway just out there sailing. I have a pair of 12.5:1 & 16.5:1 two speeds and wish they were bigger. But at $5K+ each I don't see it happening real soon.

The only downfall is one has to crank more times for the same length of line, but with less energy. And longevity is usually due to their quality. Mine are 30 YO and will probably out live me.

[FrankZ]

I am not sure I ever heard anyone complain that a winch that fits is too big...

[James S]

If the winch is self tailing then line size my be a consideration as well.

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by James S

If the winch is self tailing then line size my be a consideration as well.

If you were to get the spring loaded self-tailing it wouldn't matter unless the lines were ridiculously off size. And you do need to get a min. of 4-5 wraps around the capstan