On new self tailing winches, Harken or Lewmar, is there a significant downside to aluminum alloy verses chrome over bronze?
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None I'm Aware Of
..that's not proper grammar, but you get the point. I think the chrome looks better and I like the feeling of more mass, but, frankly, I think the aluminum winches hold their finish longer and are certainly less maintenance as to the drum. Good luck whatever you decide. Rick D.
..that's not proper grammar, but you get the point. I think the chrome looks better and I like the feeling of more mass, but, frankly, I think the aluminum winches hold their finish longer and are certainly less maintenance as to the drum. Good luck whatever you decide. Rick D.
Aluminum = Oxidation
Over the years the anodizing will wear off the surface of the alumnum winch, allowing it to oxidize. The plus of this is that they will grab the rope like you wouldn't believe. In fact, too well because it makes easing the sheet dicy at best, and sometimes downright dangerous. Do yourself a favor and look at the Andersen STAINLESS winches. I'm finishing up my first season with mine and could not be happier with them! With 1/2" sheets all I need even in 30 knots of wind is 2 turns around the winch then onto the stripper. With a Lewmar I'm told that with any less than 4 turns you risk breaking the winch. That made it a simple choice for me.
Over the years the anodizing will wear off the surface of the alumnum winch, allowing it to oxidize. The plus of this is that they will grab the rope like you wouldn't believe. In fact, too well because it makes easing the sheet dicy at best, and sometimes downright dangerous. Do yourself a favor and look at the Andersen STAINLESS winches. I'm finishing up my first season with mine and could not be happier with them! With 1/2" sheets all I need even in 30 knots of wind is 2 turns around the winch then onto the stripper. With a Lewmar I'm told that with any less than 4 turns you risk breaking the winch. That made it a simple choice for me.
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