1993 Passage 42 - Electric Winch

[ChrisJ]

Hi guys n gals

I wonder if anyone has converted/installed electric winches on the above model.
I am looking at one with a view to purchasing it but as I'm an old duffer (lazy too) I would like it to have electric winches. (at least 3)
The boat has a Battened mainsail with lazyjacks and a Furling genoa by the way.

2 x Barient 42 Self-tailing Genoa sheet winches
2 x Barient 24/45 self-tailing halyard winches

If you could assist I'd appreciate it.
Photos of any installation would be appreciated.
I'd hate to have an ugly old motor visible in the lounge.

 

[Paul Cossman]

Hi Chris,

I have the 1991 model Passage 42, and I am pretty certain it's identical for purposes of an electric winch. The primary winch (for raising the main) is configured so that an electric winch motor would fit entirely within an enclosed area of the cabin. If you look underneath the winch, on the starboard side of the main cabin in the galley area, you'll see a huge fiberglas bulge. That would contain the motor. (I use it for storage). It is accessed underneath by removing the cabin light at the bottom of the "bulge."

I don't think the boat is set up for adding electric winches on the other winches. I suspect that if you were raising a furling genoa for some reason you could cross the halyard over to the large electric winch for that purpose. As to the jib sheet winches, there are no similar "bulges" in the cabin to accommodate motors.

The boat is easy to sail single-handed. Take it from another lazy old duffer.

Cheers,
Paul

 

[ChrisJ]

Hi Chris,

I have the 1991 model Passage 42, and I am pretty certain it's identical for purposes of an electric winch. The primary winch (for raising the main) is configured so that an electric winch motor would fit entirely within an enclosed area of the cabin. If you look underneath the winch, on the starboard side of the main cabin in the galley area, you'll see a huge fiberglas bulge. That would contain the motor. (I use it for storage). It is accessed underneath by removing the cabin light at the bottom of the "bulge."

I don't think the boat is set up for adding electric winches on the other winches. I suspect that if you were raising a furling genoa for some reason you could cross the halyard over to the large electric winch for that purpose. As to the jib sheet winches, there are no similar "bulges" in the cabin to accommodate motors.

The boat is easy to sail single-handed. Take it from another lazy old duffer.

Cheers,
Paul

Thanks Paul

I have seen one or two winches that have been "covered" by a some nice teak joinery that didn't look too bad. Do you think there is room to do that ?
I guess for me I'm trying to avoid going forward when I can so maybe I would get away with one main electric and one of those electric handles on the sheets.

 

[La Scandell]

Hi ChrisJ,
I have a hunter passage 42 and are in the process of converting my main winch to a two speed electric. Its due to arrive tomorrow so I will take pics as I go. The normal electric winch has the motor mounted underneath the winch horizontal and sticks out one side which means you have to cut a hole in the cabin top mould to accommodate it. I have got one coming called a planocentric winch has the motor mounted centrally, vertically under the winch and is a complete unit that drops in from the top into the factory moulded housing. It requires a 80mm hole cut centrally under the winch and this winch is 3mm smaller in diam the the std 44 Lewmar. Hope this helps. Craig

 

[Michael G]

Can you send more information on the winch you purchased. ie: manufacture, model etc.

Thanks

 

[ttac]

We have the factory installed main halyard wench on our 1991 42 Passage. It is mounted in that area over the galley. I use it for everything but working the headsail sheets. I have a long furling line on the headsail so I can use it on the power wench also!
Dean

 

[eianm]

there is an upgrade for the cabin top Barient from Maxwell- it is about $2000. I have been using a winchrite lithium battery powered winch driver for 2 years and couldn't be happier- can use it in any winch and the battery charge lasts for months of occasional ( weekend) use- they are only about $500 and the support offered by winchrite is top notch! A viable alternative for a budget minded person!

 

[joelvannorsdel]

I am in the middle of the installation of a Harken Unipower 900. This electric winch with a pancake motor and it fits perfectly in the well next to the companion way over the galley sink. I will update this thread when this task is complete.

 

[ChrisJ]

I am in the middle of the installation of a Harken Unipower 900. This electric winch with a pancake motor and it fits perfectly in the well next to the companion way over the galley sink. I will update this thread when this task is complete.

Thanks
Can't wait, they look very good.
Shame they are single speed though, still who's in a hurry.