Arco winches

[R. Palaia]

Has anyone used Arco winches on their boat? Are they good winches, good performers, good quality. I have Barient winches for my genoa sheets. I plan on trying to refurbish them, but may end up getting new ones if I'm unsuccessful. I found the Australian Yacht Company website and have contacted them about parts. Also, has anybody been successful in rebuilding their Barient winches? My drums and self tailing jaws wobble extensively and one winch won't turn in fast speed. It only works at slow speed. Any ideas, thoughts?? Thanks, Roc

 

[Les]

Barient Wenches

Roc,I found a rebuild package for Barient wenches at West Marine. Package was full of the pawls (sp), springs, pins, etc. Think it was about $40 and enough parts to do 4 wenches. I have copies of the Barient diagrams for the rebuild if you need them. I have never heard of Arco but a rebuild would be much less expensive. Don't know how old yours are but my 1991s are solid as a rock (no pun intended) and work perfectly. Les

 

[R. Palaia]

Les, what model winches

You're right, a rebuild would be less expensive. However, I contacted Australian Yacht Winch Company (they make Arco winches and they bought the rights to supply Barient winch parts) and they said that of all the winches Barient ever made, the type of winch I have (Barient model 22-39, 2 speed, self tailing) is the least reliable-too many plastic components, flimsy gears and in general, the winch is too light. Based on the "symptoms" that I described, they suggested several parts for which they are sending me a quote. I may try to rebuild, but I know it will be more than $40. What model Barient do you have that you were able to rebuild so cheaply?? Thanks, Roc