Winches H26
- Thread starter Marc the army sailor
- Start date
Your question is not clear. The self tailing feature has little to do with power comparisons between winches, afik. If you want to match a self-taiing replacement winch to your existing standard winch, just look at the gear ratio and power specs. The power spec considers drum diameter and gear ratio to determine its rating.
The only advantage a self-tailing winch offers is convenience when short handed. It allows you to use both hands on the winch handle when you don't have a mate to tail for you. So if you single hand a lot, or have tend to have passengers or guests instead of crew, then a selt-tailing winch can be helpful. In most situations, a standard winch is quicker when tacking and jibing because the jaw ring and stripper arm aren't hindering loading and unloading the drum. I guess that's only important if you're racing though.
To me, your most important decision when considering new winches is whether you want single or 2 speed. That is a feature that can reap benefits, especially with the primary (headsail) winches. 2 speeds give you that low gear that increases your power and gives you more precise trim control.
Why don't you tell us what you have now and how you'd like to end up. It's quite alright to just want Self Tailing winches because you like 'em. No problem at all. But if you're gonna spend the bucks, consider 2 speed primaries. I actually think self tailing halyard winches make sense and are a lot handier because you're usually doing that solo. You can easily increase the power by simply using a longer, palm grip winch handle.
A few years back I replaced my 40 year old, 2 speed standard Barlow 24 primaries (winch numbers not that relative, btw) with new 2 speed, self tailing Lemar 30's. The Barlows were in excellent condition... I was just jonesing for some flashy bling
... What I realized is the gear ratios were so different as was the drum diameter... but the power spec was about the same. Barlow was 3:1, 1:1 with larger drum, while the Lewmars were 4:1, 2:1 with smaller drum diam. So power comparison was similar between both, but the Barlow is WAY faster, than the Lewmar. The big drum (think horsepower) with higher gearing on the Barlow allowed for major grinding speed. Racing, yep. Whereas, the Lewmar's lower gearing and smaller diam drum meant meant less effort to pull the same load, just at a slower rate. It was quite a revelation and transition. On the old Barlows I had a 10" handle with a palm grip that would help when I needed more power. With the Lewmar gearing, I never use the 10" handle, but I do a lot more hand stripping to save time, or else it would take forever to load the winch up and grind in the sail when tacking. Bottom line is if I ever chose to race this boat again (which will never happen at age 77) I chose the convenience and low gear power over the more athletic high speed approach.
Okey doke, this ramble has no bearing on your concerns... but I enjoy telling the story. Ending thought is this, for a 26 footer, 2 speeds are not reallhy needed. but If you're gonna invest in self tailing, go ahead and get the 2 speed st winch, same size as you have now. Oh... heads up... weight for the West Marine / Lewmar two for one winch sale every spring. You'll save thousands. Good Luck.
The only advantage a self-tailing winch offers is convenience when short handed. It allows you to use both hands on the winch handle when you don't have a mate to tail for you. So if you single hand a lot, or have tend to have passengers or guests instead of crew, then a selt-tailing winch can be helpful. In most situations, a standard winch is quicker when tacking and jibing because the jaw ring and stripper arm aren't hindering loading and unloading the drum. I guess that's only important if you're racing though.
To me, your most important decision when considering new winches is whether you want single or 2 speed. That is a feature that can reap benefits, especially with the primary (headsail) winches. 2 speeds give you that low gear that increases your power and gives you more precise trim control.
Why don't you tell us what you have now and how you'd like to end up. It's quite alright to just want Self Tailing winches because you like 'em. No problem at all. But if you're gonna spend the bucks, consider 2 speed primaries. I actually think self tailing halyard winches make sense and are a lot handier because you're usually doing that solo. You can easily increase the power by simply using a longer, palm grip winch handle.
A few years back I replaced my 40 year old, 2 speed standard Barlow 24 primaries (winch numbers not that relative, btw) with new 2 speed, self tailing Lemar 30's. The Barlows were in excellent condition... I was just jonesing for some flashy bling
... What I realized is the gear ratios were so different as was the drum diameter... but the power spec was about the same. Barlow was 3:1, 1:1 with larger drum, while the Lewmars were 4:1, 2:1 with smaller drum diam. So power comparison was similar between both, but the Barlow is WAY faster, than the Lewmar. The big drum (think horsepower) with higher gearing on the Barlow allowed for major grinding speed. Racing, yep. Whereas, the Lewmar's lower gearing and smaller diam drum meant meant less effort to pull the same load, just at a slower rate. It was quite a revelation and transition. On the old Barlows I had a 10" handle with a palm grip that would help when I needed more power. With the Lewmar gearing, I never use the 10" handle, but I do a lot more hand stripping to save time, or else it would take forever to load the winch up and grind in the sail when tacking. Bottom line is if I ever chose to race this boat again (which will never happen at age 77) I chose the convenience and low gear power over the more athletic high speed approach. Okey doke, this ramble has no bearing on your concerns... but I enjoy telling the story. Ending thought is this, for a 26 footer, 2 speeds are not reallhy needed. but If you're gonna invest in self tailing, go ahead and get the 2 speed st winch, same size as you have now. Oh... heads up... weight for the West Marine / Lewmar two for one winch sale every spring. You'll save thousands. Good Luck.
I sent a private message to the poster but no response as I wanted photos of the winch and surrounding equipment.
The 26 jib is a 110 jib lapped which is max due to the fact there is no backstay plus it was designed for a larger mainsail for power. Therefore there was a question of winch or no winch on the deck.
I found with a longer mainsheet and a swivel cam cleat that is elevated toward the bow, you could pull the jib in and with a flick of the line you could release the mainsheet easily.
The 26 jib is a 110 jib lapped which is max due to the fact there is no backstay plus it was designed for a larger mainsail for power. Therefore there was a question of winch or no winch on the deck.
I found with a longer mainsheet and a swivel cam cleat that is elevated toward the bow, you could pull the jib in and with a flick of the line you could release the mainsheet easily.