Lewmar winch upgrade

Godefroy · Feb 7, 2011

You may want to consider Watski's Self-tailer Winchers. Not as good as actual self-tailing winches, but they are essentially rubber bands that fit around the top of your winches to act in place of the self-tailing tab.

At ~$50 for a pair (from WM and Defender), they are fairly effective and VASTLY cheaper than replacing the winches.

Stu Jackson · Feb 7, 2011

That's correct. I used them successfully on our C25 for many years. Do a search on "winchers" here and you'll find lots of discussion. It is certainly a less costly option and you really have nothing to loose by trying it out compared to the cost of new self-tailing winches.

caguy · Feb 7, 2011

I've seen the winchers and will be getting them for the two speed Lewmar 30's.
I am also looking for a locking winch handle. I am not sure if a locking handle will work on that 1982 winch. The one that came with it weighs a ton and does not lock. It makes me nervous to use it.

Stu Jackson · Feb 8, 2011

Frank, I've been looking for a non-locking handle for a while. Lockers, in my opinion, are a real pain. I have a Titan handle that is difficult, without two hands, to release, although I've gotten pretty good at it one handed. You might want to keep trying it and not get rid of it when you get a new locker. You may find out you have a gem.

Bob S · Feb 8, 2011

Funny to see this thread. I use a shorter winch handle because of the dodger. I was out last summer in some heavy winds with my daughter. I pointed up into the wind to reef the jib a bit and the flogging of the jib sheets tossed my favorite handle 10 feet in the air. :cry: I don't typically leave the handle in the winch but in this case I did. I had 2 more 10" handles but I can't make a complete swing because of the dodger tubing gets in the way. I kind of wished I had a locking handle. I'll be buying another shorty before I launch her this spring.

Stu, how's the leg? Are you 100% yet? Any skiing this year?

Twice Around · Feb 8, 2011

Bob S, Harken makes a nice 8" locking handle..highly recommended..I have plenty of space on my boat so I have the 10" version, but I've used the 8" handle on a smaller boat & it is was great...the 'spinner ball' on top is really nice...

For the OP - My boat had Barlow 23's on it..I just upgraded to 30 self-tailing Lewmars...at the bottom end of 'adequate' in terms of power, & I'd really have preferred the 40s, but couldn't justify the extra cost...they are a definite upgrade from my Barlows & Defender had a really good deal on the 30s at the boat show

gpd955 · Feb 8, 2011

Winchers worked on mine very well. I couldn't see spending that kind of money at the time so I invested a few $ in them. The current owner still uses them so you'll get some decent years out of them....long enough to save up the cash so as not to break the bank.

Windy City · Feb 9, 2011

Changing to Self Tailers

Rag Bagger said:
I purchased my 1984 Catalina 30 summer of 2010 and have a laundry list of projects I want to do. As you know, they all cost money. That being said, I have two standard, #40, two speed Lewmar winches to handle the Genoa. I would like it better if they were self tailing. Does anyone know if they could be converted so I can save a few dollars or do I have to change the entire winch? Thanks, as always, for all of your assistance.

I changed out my standard Lewmar 40's for new self tailers last year and can say the difference, especially when single handing and racing is like having a crew member.

Defender Marine has had the last generation Ocean version ST on sale for $855 each for some time now. That's 40% off their original price. Catalina Direct also has a very good deal. These are chrome models! I also got $400 for the used pair. Took awhile to sell but you should be able to get ~ that price for them if they are clean.

It was still very hard to shell out that amount of money, but it's worth it.

Good luck,

Jim

Lewmar winch upgrade

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