Winchrite for mast raising and lowering

[Glenn Galvin]

Hello all

Just wondered if anyone has used a winchrite for mast lowering and raising. In Perth Australia we need to duck under two bridges. It will only be used sparingly i.e. when we go out to ocean.

We have a 2000 Jeanneau 32'

Any feedback appreciated. I have the opportunity to buy a second hand one but want to know if its going to have the torque.

R
Glenn

[Owe Hansson]

Hi Glenn,

I have a winchrite for raising the main. I find I get as much torque as with a regular winch handle. If you use a winch and crank by hand now I think the winch rite will work fine

[SV THIRD DAY]

Anything you can winch up by hand, the winchrite can do faster and easier.
He sure you get the New brushless model that is 40% stronger than the older design and has longer battery life

[exMaggieDrum]

Some people (like me) went with a Milwaukee 28V battery-powered right angle drill. You can get them online (in the US) in the low $300s and then you need the bit to fit the winches. People who use them love them. They are not really water-resistant so there is that. You can get extra batteries - not cheap though - but you can replace them easy unlike the Winchrite (unless they have changed them). A bit heavier and more awkward. Tremendous torque/power. You have to watch or you can over-winch and break stuff. You can vary the speed by trigger pull. Bullet-proof trades tool from a very good manufacturer.