We have a 1999 Beneteau 352 with a manual windlass. We would like to replace the manual with an electric model. Any suggestions on models that work well or things we should be aware of when choosing an electric windlass?
Electric Windlass
- Thread starter gregrosine
- Start date
They are expensive to buy and expensive to install.
We have an eWincher which is a nicely designed and powerful electric winch handle. Takes a little more effort than simply pushing a button, however, it is more versatile in that it will turn any winch into an electric winch and it is considerably cheaper than a single electric winch. We use it for raising sails, lifting the dingy and motor, taking my wife up the mast, and any time we don't feel like cranking a winch. There are other electric winch handles, however the eWincher has much better ergonomics. It makes sailing an cruising a possibility for a couple of septuagenarians.
EWINCHER | Electric Winch & Winch Handle for Sailing Boats
Smart Electric Sailing: we design electric winches and electric winch handles packed with advanced technology for sailing boats.
I'm not a windlass expert, but I just rebuilt a Maxwell RC10 and it's a pretty simple and solid piece of kit.. a motor, a sealed gear assembly, and the chain wheel assembly... One thing I would recommend is to buy a from a good long standing brand with a good parts network. In the case of the maxwell, all the o-rings and a switch I needed for the rebuild are still available.. the motor I stripped and repainted was rusted on the exterior, but the interior was fine.. I would imagine there are many other brands in use others will chime in with...
Simpson-Lawrence, who was bought out by Lewmar, used to use a French-made motor by Leroy-Somner. It was garbage. So unless Lewmar is using a different manufacturer for their windlass motors, I would stay away from Lewmar.
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