Electric Winch Handle Experience

[stephen Penny]

I read Les’s forum from last summer on the WinchRite electric winch handle. I am interested in other forum’s experience with the WinchRite or Maniwell electric winch handles and what application do you use it for – main halyard, jib halyard, main sheet, in-mast furler main line, etc. and on what size boat? Thanks in advance.

 

[Rick D]

Second Hand...

I have a friend who has a 420 Hunter. His wife got him one for furling the main & jib as well as for sheet work since he had a wrist injury. Their experience has been very positive. He likes the construction and design. He's in the business, so that's going a ways. BTW, it was purchased through this site at a very competitive price.

Edit for clarity: it was a WinchRite.

 

[stephen Penny]

Re: Second Hand...

Rick,

That was the exactly feedback I was looking for. Thanks!!

 

[Jtoben]

We just bought a winch rite so my wife could haul up the main on the 11.0 on her own when she goes out sailing with her gal pals. Our dodger frame also prevents the regular winch handle from making a full turn, so this was our solution to both issues. So far on our few sails out it has worked as stated, but is is NOT a solution to an undersized winch, another issue which we had, and are upgrading the cabin top winch for the main.

 

[BBC16385]

I use a 18 volt Milwaukee drill with a winch bit. In my sixth year using it for rolling in and out the jib and furl main. Works great. Use a new battery each year. Battery price has gone from 2 for $80 to one for $100 in two years!