how do sailboat winches work

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How to Use Sailing Winches

• By Mike Lee
• Updated: June 14, 2013

Sailing winches are almost always taken for granted, yet these compact pieces of mechanical machinery are incredibly powerful. Even the winches on a 30- or 40-foot sailboat are capable of pulling 2 tons or more. The thing about winches is that they’re so reliable that most sailors rarely pay much attention to them—until something goes wrong. Using sailing winches correctly should always be a priority.

To understand the capability of winches, let’s crunch some numbers. Say your boat has a “number 42” primary winch, which is an industry standard. The “42” represents a 42:1 power ratio. If an average person applies 50 pounds of load using a 10-inch winch handle, the result will be 2,100 pounds of pull (42 x 50 = 2,100). That figure puts the power potential into suitable perspective. With this much power in play, you must consider whether you’re operating your winch safely. When it comes to sailing winches, the most common mistake is not having enough wraps around the drum to hold the line load safely. In most cases, three wraps just aren’t enough. With too few wraps, several issues can arise.

For example, say that you’re coming out of a tack with a little load on the new sheet. It’s still easy to grasp, so you lock it into the self-tailer. But as the wind freshens and the jib fills, the sheet load greatly exceeds what it was coming out of the tack. Now you want to bear away and ease the sheet. But with only three wraps on the drum, just releasing it from the self-tailer may suck your fingers into the winch. This is a very painful way to learn about winch loads.

Furthermore, beyond the personal hazard, higher loads and few wraps can also equal a damaged winch, as those greater sheet loads will be transferred to the self-tailing arm rather than to the drum. Replacing a bent or broken self-tailing arm is not an inexpensive proposition.

On the flip side, to err on the side of caution can also present problems. For instance, easing a sheet with too many wraps might result in an override that takes some time to unjam. The takeaway message here? There’s a fine line between too many and too few wraps. As is often the case in sailing, you can “feel” when it’s right. So pay attention to the loads on the winch, respect the powerful consequences, and wrap accordingly.

Sending someone up the mast? This requires even greater winch safety, as a life is literally in your hands. It’s a good idea to have an experienced sailor demonstrate for new crewmembers how to send someone aloft properly. Once again, it’s important to have a sufficient number of wraps to hold the person, yet not so many that the halyard overrides. Whenever possible, instead of trusting the self-tailer, always have a second person tailing the halyard. When lowering the mast climber back to the deck, ensure a smooth ride down by taking one or two wraps off the drum. You want to avoid bouncing and jerking the person the length of the spar.

Whenever you’re grinding a winch, if the load becomes excessive or extreme, simply stop cranking. This is especially important with winches powered electrically or hydraulically; with such winches, the operator can’t actually feel the increased tension. Take the time to observe the line. If it stops moving, this almost always means that something is jammed somewhere. A 2,100-pound load on a sheet that’s tangled around a deck hatch can quickly become a major problem if it isn’t immediately addressed.

With power winches, the loads are even greater. A small, electric winch motor can produce about 9 pounds of load, but because such engines spin so fast, the speed needs to be reduced. Enter a 24:1 reduction gear. However, the gear not only reduces the speed of the motor but also increases the torque—in this instance, to 216 pounds. Now multiply that by our previous 42:1 power ratio; suddenly, in theory, that little powered winch should be able to pull 9,072 pounds. (We say “in theory” because with a proper circuit breaker, the amperage draw should trip well before that load is reached. Also, the parts in a 42 winch are really designed to handle loads only produced by a sailor working a winch handle. If something does fail, it’s better if it’s a winch part and not anything more critical—like the mast.)

Of course, proper technique is only one part of winch safety. The other is making sure that they’re properly maintained. The little clicking noise you hear deep inside a working winch comes from the ratchet pawls. The pawls lock the drum in place to keep it from moving backward, and they essentially bear the entire load placed on a winch. When servicing a winch, it’s important to inspect the pawls to make sure they aren’t packed with gunk or cracked, which will cause them to stick in the socket. When that happens, there’s nothing to bear the load; essentially, it’s the same as trying to hold the jib sheet with a bare hand. At least once a season, check the pawls.

The winch’s mounting bolts also require periodic inspection. Over time, a surprising number of such bolts do loosen up, some to the point that they can be retightened by hand. Get in the habit of inspecting those bolts each spring, and while you’re at it, also test the deck section on which the winch is mounted. On older boats with cored decks, water may seep through the fastening holes and cause rot. In most cases, simply tapping the deck with a screwdriver tells the tale. A soft deck will make a different, easily distinguished sound from that made by a solid one. A rotten deck core won’t hold winch loads very long. Deck surgery is then required.

Remember: A single winch can generate huge loads, and these are often larger than most sailors realize. So always apply the correct number of wraps, avoid or correct jams, and keep up with basic maintenance. Treat your sailing winch with respect, and you’ll get plenty of trouble-free service from it.

Mike Lee is a marine-industry pro with over 25 years of technical and sailing experience.

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Sail Boat Winches: The Ultimate Guide

by Emma Sullivan | Aug 5, 2023 | Sailboat Gear and Equipment

Short answer: Sail boat winches

Sail boat winches are mechanical devices used on sailboats to assist in hoisting, trimming, and controlling sails. They consist of a drum or wheel around which the line is wound, providing leverage to adjust sail tension and maneuver the boat efficiently. These essential components contribute to the overall performance and handling of sailboats during sailing activities.

Understanding Sail Boat Winches: A Beginner’s Guide

Title: Understanding Sail Boat Winches: A Beginner’s Guide

Introduction: Sailing is an exhilarating experience that combines the awe of nature with the technical skills required to navigate the open waters. One crucial component of any sailboat is the winch , a mechanical device that allows sailors to control and adjust the sails. In this beginner’s guide, we will delve into the world of sail boat winches, unraveling their mechanisms, types, and importance in sailing.

1. The Functionality Behind Sail Boat Winches: When it comes to manipulating sails efficiently, sail boat winches come to the rescue. These devices work by utilizing a drum-shaped spool around which sailors wrap ropes or cables called sheets. By rotating this drum with a handle or an electric motor, immense force can be exerted onto these sheets for adjusting various aspects of your sails such as tension and angle.

2. Types of Sail Boat Winches: There are two main types of sail boat winches—self-tailing and standard winches. Standard winches require manual tailing or holding onto the sheet while turning the handle to increase or decrease tension. On the other hand, self-tailing winches feature a built-in mechanism that automatically grips and holds onto the line when it is turned in one direction but easily releases when rotated in reverse.

3. Choosing the Right Size for Your Vessel: Selecting an appropriate size for your sail boat winch is crucial as it will directly impact its functionality on deck. Factors such as displacement (weight), type of sailing (cruising or racing), and anticipated wind conditions all dictate what size winch you should choose. It is advisable to consult experienced sailors or experts who can guide you towards making an informed decision.

4. Maintenance Tips for Optimal Performance: Like any mechanical equipment, sail boat winches require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance throughout their lifespan. Here are some key maintenance tips:

– Regularly lubricate winches to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation. – Clean the self-tailing mechanism periodically, as dirt and grime can hinder its functionality. – Check for any signs of wear or damage, such as frayed ropes or loose parts, and replace them immediately to avoid accidents.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid: In the excitement of sailing, beginners often make some common mistakes when it comes to sail boat winches. Here are a few things to steer clear of:

– Overloading the winch: Be aware of the winch’s load-bearing capacity and avoid pushing it beyond its limits. Overloading can lead to premature wear and tear or even breakage. – Not using proper techniques: Take the time to learn proper winching techniques such as tailing or wrapping the line correctly around the drum. This ensures efficient power transfer, preventing unnecessary strain on both you and the winch.

Conclusion: Understanding sail boat winches paves the way for a smoother sailing experience. By grasping their functionality, choosing wisely according to your vessel’s needs, conducting regular maintenance, and avoiding common mistakes, you will unlock an essential skill that truly elevates your sailing adventures . So go ahead, hoist those sails confidently with your newfound knowledge of sail boat winches!

How to Properly Use Sail Boat Winches: Step-by-Step Instructions

Sailing enthusiasts know that properly using sailboat winches is crucial for smooth sailing and efficient maneuvering. These powerful devices are used to handle sails, control lines, and make adjustments on the boat. However, if used incorrectly, they can lead to strained muscles or even accidents on board. In this step-by-step guide, we will take you through the process of using sailboat winches correctly to ensure a safe and enjoyable sailing experience.

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with Winch Components Before embarking on your sailing journey, it is essential to understand the different components of a sailboat winch . The three main components are the drum (where the line wraps around), the handle attachment point (often referred to as the “winch socket”), and the winch handle itself.

Step 2: Assess Line Placement Take a moment to assess how various lines are set up on your boat . Identify which lines go through specific winches or blocks connected to them. Understanding this configuration will help you determine which winch you need to use for each task.

Step 3: Choosing the Correct Winch Size Not all winches are created equal. Sailboats usually have multiple winches onboard, each with a different purpose based on load requirements. Choose an appropriately sized winch based on the size and tension of the line you will be handling.

Step 4: Securely Attach Winch Handle Once you have selected the appropriate winch, firmly attach its handle to the winch socket by sliding it in and giving it a slight twist until it locks in place securely. Always ensure that the handle is fully engaged before applying any force.

Step 5: Winding Lines onto Drum To start winding lines onto the drum, hold onto the standing part of the line (the part that doesn’t move) with one hand while turning clockwise with your other hand on top of the drum using gentle pressure. Gradually increase the pressure as needed, but remember to avoid excessive force to prevent damage to the winch or potential injuries.

Step 6: Releasing Tension When you need to release tension from a line, hold onto the standing part with one hand and use your other hand on top of the drum. Turn counterclockwise while maintaining control of the line’s speed. Always keep track of your fingers’ positions and be cautious not to get them caught between the line and drum.

Step 7: Two-Person Operation For larger boats or when handling heavy loads, consider using a two-person operation method for increased safety and efficiency. One person can handle managing the lines while another operates the winch handle, ensuring smoother coordination and reducing strain on both individuals.

Step 8: Regular Maintenance Proper maintenance ensures longevity and optimal functionality. Regularly inspect your winches for signs of wear, lubricate them according to manufacturer guidelines, and replace worn parts promptly. This upkeep will help prevent unexpected failures at critical moments during your sailing adventures .

By following these step-by-step instructions on using sailboat winches properly, you can navigate with confidence, maintain control over your sails, and enhance overall safety while out on the water. Remember always to prioritize caution and respect for these powerful tools – they are there to make sailing more manageable, more enjoyable, and above all else, safe!

Frequently Asked Questions about Sail Boat Winches: Your Answers Revealed

If you are a sailor or boat enthusiast , then chances are you have come across the term “winch” at some point. Sail boat winches are an essential piece of equipment that play a crucial role in controlling and maneuvering your sailboat. However, despite their importance, many people still have questions about how they work and why they are so vital on a sailing vessel . In this blog post, we will dive deep into the frequently asked questions about sail boat winches to provide you with detailed, professional, witty, and clever explanations.

1. What is a sail boat winch?

A sail boat winch is a mechanical device designed to make it easier to hoist sails by multiplying the force exerted by the crew members. It consists of several important components such as the drum (where the rope is wound), gears (to increase power), and handles (to turn the winch). By using leverage and gearing mechanisms, sailors can effortlessly control high loads and adjust sail settings with minimal effort.

2. Why do I need a winch on my sailboat ?

Well, imagine trying to hoist a heavy mainsail or trim a jib without any assistance – it would be quite the workout! Sail boat winches allow sailors to efficiently handle large loads produced by strong winds and heavy sails. They enable precise control over various aspects of sailing like raising or lowering sails, adjusting tension in lines, and controlling angles during maneuvers. Without winches, performing these tasks would require immense physical strength that could quickly exhaust even the most seasoned sailors.

3. How do I choose the right winch for my sailboat ?

The size and type of sailboat winch depend on several factors such as boat size, rigging setup, type of sailing (cruising or racing), and personal preferences. Generally speaking, larger boats with more powerful rigs require larger winches to handle the higher loads. However, it’s important to strike a balance as excessively oversized winches can be unnecessarily heavy and harder to operate efficiently. Consulting with experts or seeking advice from experienced sailors is always recommended when selecting the right winch for your specific sailboat .

4. Can I use an electric winch instead of a manual one?

Absolutely! Electric winches have become increasingly popular among sailors due to their convenience and ease of use. Electric winches are powered by electricity and can significantly reduce physical effort , making them an excellent option for those with limited strength or on larger boats where loads can be substantial. However, it’s worth noting that electric winches come at a higher cost compared to their manual counterparts, require additional wiring and power supply, and may need regular maintenance.

5. How do I properly maintain my sail boat winches?

To ensure your sail boat winches keep performing optimally, regular maintenance is essential. Firstly, keep them clean! Saltwater, sand, and grime can cause corrosion and damage over time. Lubricating the moving parts regularly using appropriate marine-grade lubricants will help prevent wear and tear while ensuring smooth operation. Inspecting the components for any signs of damage or excessive wear is critical to catching potential issues early on before they turn into bigger problems.

Now that we’ve revealed the answers to some frequently asked questions about sail boat winches, you should have a better understanding of their importance in sailing, how to choose the right one for your sailboat, consider electric options if desired, and maintain them properly for optimal performance. So go ahead – hoist those sails with confidence knowing that your trusty winch has got your back!

Choosing the Right Sail Boat Winch for Your Needs: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you an avid sailor looking to upgrade your sail boat winch? Or, perhaps you’re new to sailing and in need of guidance on how to choose the perfect winch for your needs. Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the right sail boat winch.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that a sail boat winch plays a crucial role in managing and adjusting the tension of your sails. It allows sailors to control their sails effortlessly, ensuring smooth sailing experiences without any manual exertion. But with so many options available on the market, choosing the right sail boat winch can be overwhelming.

To simplify the process, let’s break down some key factors that should influence your decision-making:

1. Size and Power: The size and power of a sail boat winch should correspond to the size and weight of your boat as well as the strength needed for efficient operation. Consider factors such as the size of your sails, wind conditions in your sailing area, and the effort required for control. Opting for a more powerful winch may provide ease of use in challenging conditions or if you have physical limitations.

2. Self-Tailing Functionality: Do you desire convenience while on deck? If so, consider investing in a self-tailing winch. This nifty feature allows for easy one-handed operation by automatically holding onto lines when released or during adjustment. It eliminates the need for additional crew members or using extra equipment like clamps or cleats – definitely handy!

3. Winch Material: When it comes to materials used in making sail boat winches, stainless steel is often a popular choice due to its durability against harsh marine environments. However, aluminum options are lighter and less expensive while still providing decent performance.

4. Gear Ratio: The gear ratio refers to how many turns are required on the handle or drum to turn the line (rope) on the winch. A higher gear ratio will provide greater power, allowing you to control larger sails or handle higher wind loads with less effort. Conversely, a lower gear ratio will require more physical exertion but can be ideal for smaller boats or lighter sail handling.

5. Single Speed vs. Two-Speed Winches: Single speed winches function with a fixed gear ratio while two-speed winches offer the ability to switch between different gear ratios using a secondary speed handle or button. If you frequently sail in variable wind conditions, having the flexibility of switching gears quickly can be advantageous.

6. Maintenance and Ease of Use: Consider how easy it is to maintain and service the winch. Look for models that have accessible parts and clear instructions for lubrication and cleaning. This ensures longevity and keeps your winch performing at its best for years to come.

7. Budget: While cost should never be the sole determinant, it is worth considering your budgetary limitations before making a purchase. Remember that investing in a high-quality sail boat winch may save you money in the long run by providing increased reliability and minimizing maintenance costs.

So there you have it – a comprehensive guide to assist you in choosing the right sail boat winch for your needs! By considering factors such as size and power, self-tailing functionality, materials used, gear ratio options, single speed vs. two-speed choices, maintenance requirements, and budget constraints, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision that enhances your sailing experience .

Fair winds and happy sailing !

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Sail Boat Winches

Sailing enthusiasts and boat owners alike can attest to the excitement and joy that comes with setting sail, harnessing the power of the wind, and gliding across the open waters. And when it comes to maneuvering your sailboat efficiently, winches are an essential tool. These mechanical devices make it easier to control and adjust the sails, maximizing their efficiency and ensuring a smooth sailing experience.

However, even experienced sailors can occasionally fall victim to certain mistakes when using sail boat winches. To ensure that you make the most of these valuable tools, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of common mistakes that you should avoid:

1. Neglecting Proper Maintenance One of the biggest oversights sailors often make is neglecting regular maintenance on their sailboat winches . Over time, saltwater exposure, debris accumulation, and general wear and tear can cause winches to become less effective or even malfunction entirely. It’s crucial to clean your winches regularly (especially after every outing), lubricate them with appropriate grease or oil, inspect for any damage or corrosion, and replace parts as necessary.

2. Improper Usage Winch systems are designed specifically for certain operations such as hoisting sails or trimming lines. Using them incorrectly not only decreases their efficiency but also increases the risk of accidents or equipment damage. Familiarize yourself with your specific winch system’s capabilities by thoroughly reading through its user manual.

3. Overloading Winch Capacity Each winch has a specific load capacity which must never be exceeded; otherwise, you risk damaging the gears or even causing them to fail altogether. Make sure you understand your sailboat’s specifications regarding maximum loads per winch size before loading it up excessively.

4. Incorrect Line Placement Placing lines incorrectly on the winch drum is another common mistake made by both beginners and experienced sailors alike. A misaligned line can lead to poor control over sheet tension or cause slipping during critical moments. Always ensure that the line wraps evenly and securely around the winch drum, without overlapping or crossing over itself.

5. Jerky and Rapid Cranking Using excessive force or aggressively cranking the winch handle in a jerky manner can put unnecessary strain on both the winch and yourself. It’s essential to maintain smooth , controlled movements when cranking the winch handle. Distribute your efforts evenly, using your whole body instead of relying solely on arm strength for a more efficient technique.

6. Ignoring Safety Precautions Operating sailboat winches without taking proper safety precautions can lead to severe injuries or accidents. Ensure that loose clothing or jewelry is secured before handling winches to prevent entanglement. Additionally, wearing appropriate gloves will provide you with a better grip while decreasing the chances of rope burns or blisters.

7. Lack of Communication In any sailing endeavor involving multiple crew members, communication is crucial when it comes to working with winches effectively. Failing to communicate clearly about intended maneuvers or anticipated adjustments can lead to confusion and mistakes, compromising both efficiency and safety. Establish clear signals and procedures beforehand to minimize misunderstandings when operating sailboat winches.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll undoubtedly be able to enjoy smoother sailing experiences while prolonging the life of your sailboat winches significantly. Remember, it’s essential always to prioritize safety and maintain regular maintenance routines for optimal performance on your sailing adventures !

Tips and Tricks for Maintaining and Troubleshooting Sail Boat Winches

To all the passionate sailors out there, we know that sailboat winches are a crucial part of your sailing experience. These mechanical wonders help control and trim sails, making your boat glide gracefully through the water . However, like any other piece of equipment on a sailboat, winches require regular maintenance and occasionally encounter problems. Fear not! In this blog post, we will reveal some valuable tips and tricks for maintaining and troubleshooting sailboat winches like a pro.

1. Understand Your Winch: Before diving into maintenance or troubleshooting, it’s essential to understand how your specific winch works. Study the manufacturer’s manual or consult an experienced sailor to gain a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved. This knowledge will serve as your foundation throughout the process.

2. Cleanliness is Key: Saltwater, sand, and grime can quickly build up on sailboat winches, compromising their functionality. Make cleaning a regular part of your maintenance routine. Use freshwater to rinse off any dirt or salt residue from the winch drum, gears, and pawls. A small brush can be handy for reaching intricate areas.

3. Grease Them Up: Lubrication plays a vital role in ensuring smooth operation and longevity of your winches . Apply high-quality marine grease to lubricate moving parts such as gears and pawls periodically but avoid over-greasing which can attract debris.

4. Check for Wear and Tear: Regular inspections are crucial to identify signs of wear and tear before they become major issues during your sailing adventures . Pay close attention to the condition of drum bearings, gear teeth, pawls, springs, and screws – any abnormalities should be addressed promptly by replacing or repairing worn-out components.

5. Tension Adjustment: Maintaining proper tension on your winch lines will enhance performance while reducing wear on ropes (halyards) or sheets in use. Familiarize yourself with different types of line grips available for your winch model to optimize tension settings accordingly.

6. Smooth Rotation: Ratchet mechanisms play a vital role in sailboat winches, ensuring that the drum rotates freely when sailing but locks when you need it to. If you’re experiencing excessive resistance or the ratchet is slipping, it may be time to disassemble and inspect these crucial parts for wear or debris accumulation that hinder smooth rotation.

7. Pawl Springs: The pawls and springs are responsible for holding the line securely in place after each winching action. Inspect these components to ensure they engage smoothly and securely with no signs of weakness or damage. Replace any worn-out pawl springs promptly as they can affect the reliability of your winch.

8. Winch Servicing Kit: Consider investing in a winch servicing kit designed specifically for your brand and model. These kits usually contain an assortment of replacement parts, such as new pawls, springs, bearings, and seals – all conveniently packaged together for easy maintenance.

9. Seek Professional Assistance when Needed: Sailboat winches can be intricate pieces of machinery requiring specific expertise for complex repairs or maintenance tasks. If you encounter major problems beyond your capabilities, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from experienced marine mechanics or reputable sailboat service centers.

10. Prevention is Better than Cure: Regular maintenance is key to avoiding unexpected issues during crucial moments at sea. Establish a maintenance schedule and stick to it diligently – this will ensure that your sailboat winches are always ready for action when you cast off!

Now armed with these essential tips and tricks for maintaining and troubleshooting your sailboat winches, you’ll be able to keep them functioning at their best while enjoying worry-free sailing adventures on open waters! Happy sailing!

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Sailboat Winch Technique 101

• By Sean Clarkson
• Updated: May 2, 2014

Loading a sailboat winch in the correct direction is the first step. Many big-name sailors have fallen victim to this. If there’s any doubt, especially if your boat has counter-rotating winches, put arrows on the top of the winch or on the deck around the base of the winch. It may not look cool, but neither is putting turns on incorrectly.

It’s important that the sheet is led to the winch at the correct height. If it’s too low, it can slip down the drum, and if it’s too high, it can lead to regular overrides. The sailing winch manufacturer can provide a drawing with the ideal angle for the lead.

The number of wraps you start with is really a function of rope diameter, drum diameter, and drum surface quality. Smaller-diameter line may require more wraps to prevent the line from slipping on the drum. In general, though, two wraps is a good starting point, and as load increases, you can add more.

Don’t be surprised if, for example, the jib winch requires two wraps on one side and three on the other. The way sailboat winches load, you gain or lose half of a wrap because of where the line starts and finishes on the winch. And with sheets moving at high speed, make sure there’s no slack in the lazy sheet before you start pulling because you can easily end up with an override.

If you do happen to get an override, don’t keep it a secret from the rest of the crew—it’s better that they know, especially if you’re around other boats and need to dip or tack. If you have time, the best method to remove the override is to reverse the lead direction of the sheet (or halyard) and pull the override out, either by hand or by using another winch. Be careful when the override clears itself and gets reloaded. If the override is on the jibsheet and time is short, the best option is to cut the sheet at the clew when tacking. After the tack, reattach the sheet. If you cut the sheet at the winch, it will likely end up being too short. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen.

Winch gearing is all based on required line speed, which means being in the right gear to trim the sail in smoothly at the same rate the apparent-wind angle changes. Driving a sail in and stalling it isn’t fast. On a three-speed winch, first gear is your gross tune for pulling in the majority of the line: one rotation of the handle generally equals one drum turn. In second gear, you’re finishing your trim with the line carrying a lot more load: more winch-handle rotations are required for one drum rotation. Third is your high-load, fine-tune gear.

If your winch has a first-gear button, you’re in luck for jibing asymmetric sails or big genoas. Keeping your momentum going is key. Anticipate when you need to change gears before the load gets too high.

There are a few things you can do to make it easier when using a handle-driven winch with a first-gear button. For example, never put the winch handle directly over the button. This prevents the button from popping up to give you third gear. Also, if you leave the winch handle in the winch, try to leave it pointing to leeward—this helps prevent the handle from swinging down by itself (if you hit a wave, for example) and disengaging first gear.

Speaking of winch handles, a longer handle is a great “extra” gear. Most manufacturers produce both 8-inch and 10-inch handles. If you need more speed, use the short handle. If you need just grunt, say for the backstay, the 10-inch handle gives you 20 percent more power.

There are a few options for the actual handle-grip style and locking mechanism, but in short, the double handle is good for big loads when speed is not as important. The single handle is easy and quick, which is better for smaller boats and lower loads. The speed-grip handle is, in my opinion, the best all-around because it covers both options.

In terms of locking mechanisms, I prefer the newer handles with quick one-handed grip levers that are fast and easy to engage and disengage. If the handle is wobbly or hard to disengage from the winch, it’s probably time to buy a new handle.

A lot of winch technique comes down to experimentation and communication between the trimmer and the grinder. The grinder must be observant of the sail’s needs and anticipate what is required. For example, catching the curl on a spinnaker early requires less grinding and less steering by the helmsman, which equates to speed. If you’re grinding, always watch the telltale signs: the sail itself, the breeze, the helm, and the opposition.

Every boat’s layout is different, so the most efficient stance varies. However, the goal is to get your body over the winch and have a secure position for your legs. A huge amount of your power comes from your core and legs, so you need to be well braced. Where you are depends on many variables, but in light air try to be forward and to leeward. In heavy air, maximize your weight to windward. Either way, stay in a mobile position when you’re not grinding; your body weight is critical to the kinetics of the boat, such as rocking the boat down out of a jibe and roll tacking.

This article first appeared in the March/April 2014 issue of Sailing World. To read more sailing tips, click here.

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Winch what it is and how it works on sailboats

Table of contents.

If you’re new to sailing, you’ve probably heard the term “winch”. But what is a winch? What it is and how it works on sailboats? In this article, we’ll answer those questions, and provide you with helpful information on this essential piece of sailing equipment.

Winch – What is it?

A winch is a mechanical device that is used to wind up or wind out a rope. It is essential to the operation of a sailboat because it allows sailors to adjust the tension of the sailboat’s rigging. Winches come in various shapes and sizes, but the most common type of winch is the drum winch. The drum winch has a cylindrical shape and is used to store and release rope.

How do they work?

Winches work on the principle of leverage. When a sailor pulls on the line, the winch’s drum rotates, causing the line to wind up around the drum. The winch’s gears provide additional leverage, making it easier for sailors to apply the necessary force to adjust the sail’s tension. Winches can be operated by hand or with an electric motor, depending on the size and complexity of the sailboat.

Winches on Sailboats

Winches are essential pieces of equipment on sailboats. They are used to adjust the sails’ tension, control the sailboat’s speed, and navigate in different wind conditions. Most sailboats have several winches installed, and their location on the boat is strategic to optimize their use. The winches located near the cockpit are used to adjust the sails while sailing, and the winches located on the mast are used to hoist and lower sails.

Winch Maintenance

Proper maintenance of winches is essential for their optimal performance. Winches should be cleaned and lubricated regularly to prevent corrosion and rust. The winch’s gears must also be greased to ensure they remain in good working condition. Taking care of your winches will ensure they last for a long time and perform well when sailing.

In conclusion, winches are crucial pieces of equipment for sailboats. They allow sailors to adjust the tension of the sails and control the sailboat’s speed and direction. The different types of winches and their uses may appear complex at first, but with practice and experience, you’ll become an expert in their operation. Remember to maintain your winches regularly to keep them in good working condition.

How does a sailboat winch work?

Sailboat winches are essential components for adjusting and maintaining the sailboat’s rigging. They are mechanical devices that use leverage to allow sailors to control the ropes and lines that control the sails’ tension. In this article, we will examine how sailboat winches work and their importance for sailboat navigation.

What is a Sailboat Winch?

A sailboat winch is a mechanical device that winds up or winds out a rope with a cylindrical drum to adjust the boat’s sails’ tension. The winch works by using leverage to allow sailors to control the ropes and lines’ tension with minimal effort. The winch’s gears provide additional leverage, making it easier for sailors to apply the necessary force to adjust the sail’s tension.

Winch What it is and how it works on sailboats?

• There are two types of sailboat winches : manual winches and electric winches . A manual winch requires a sailor to use their muscles to rotate the winch’s drum. An electric winch uses a motor to rotate the winch and the drum.
• Manual Winches : To use a manual winch, a sailor wraps the rope around the drum, grips the free end of the rope, and then pulls it while rotating the winch’s top. The winch provides mechanical advantage due to its design, making it easier for sailors to apply the required force to adjust the sails properly.
• Electric Winches : Electric winches work similarly to manual winches, but with the help of a motor. The motor rotates the winch and the drum, reducing the physical effort required by the sailor. These winches are more efficient and require less effort, but they’re also more expensive and require electric power to work.

Choosing the Right Winch

Choosing the right winch depends on the size of the boat and its intended use. Smaller boats typically require a smaller manual winch, while larger boats typically require an electric winch. The winch used on a sailboat must be powerful enough to adjust the sails properly, but not so powerful that it damages the boat’s rigging.

Regular maintenance of sailboat winches is vital to their optimal performance. Winches should be cleaned and lubricated regularly to prevent corrosion and rust. The winch’s gears must also be greased to ensure they remain in good working condition. Taking care of your winches will ensure they last for a long time and perform well when sailing.

What are winches used for on boats?

Winches are mechanical devices used on boats to control the movement of ropes and lines. They are commonly used to adjust sails or to anchor and moor boats. In this article, we will discuss what winches are used for on boats and how they work.

What are Winches Used for on Boats?

Winches are essential for performing various tasks on boats, including:

•   Adjusting Sail Tension : Winches are used to control the tension of the boat’s sails, allowing sailors to optimize the sail’s performance. With the help of winches, sailors can control the sail’s angle and shape, ensuring the boat travels efficiently and safely.
• Anchoring and Mooring : A boat’s anchor and mooring lines are vital for keeping the boat in place and preventing it from drifting away. Winches can be used to adjust the tension of these lines, ensuring they are properly anchored or moored.
• Raising and Lowering the Sail : Large boats require a lot of effort to raise and lower sails. Winches make this task easier and more efficient by providing mechanical advantage, allowing sailors to use less force to adjust the sail’s height.
• Controlling the Boom : The boom is a horizontal spar that extends from the mast to support the sail. Winches can be used to control the boom’s position, ensuring the sail stays taut and optimally positioned.

How do Winches Work?

Winches use gears and levers to increase the force applied to a rope or line. A winch’s primary functional component is the drum that rotates around a central axis. The drum has teeth on its surface that engage with a ratchet pawl, which prevents the drum from rotating in the opposite direction. When a sailor pulls on a line that’s wound around the drum, the teeth on the winch’s gears catch on the drum’s teeth, and rotation occurs.

Choosing the right winch depends on the type of boat and size. Small boats typically use manual winches, while larger boats use electric winches. The winch’s size and power must be appropriate for the load it will bear. For the safety of the boat and the passengers, it’s essential to choose a high-quality winch that’s reliable and meets the boat’s specifications.

What is the winch on a sailboat called?

A winch is an essential tool on a sailboat, and it is used for various tasks such as adjusting sails or anchoring and mooring the boat. But, what is the winch on a sailboat called, and how does it differ from other types of winches? In this article, we will discuss what a sailboat winch is and how it functions.

A sailboat winch is a type of winch specifically designed for use on sailboats. Sailboat winches are constructed in a way that accommodates the handling of ropes and lines that support and control the boat’s sails. Unlike other kinds of winches, sailboat winches are typically self-tailing, meaning they automatically grip the rope and prevent it from slipping when pressure is released.

Sailboat winches come in various sizes. A small boat may only require a single winch while large sailing vessels may have multiple winches used for different tasks such as hoisting sails, reefing sails, and trimming sails.

How Does a Sailboat Winch Work?

A sailboat winch has several components that work together to provide mechanical advantage to the person operating it. A typical sailboat winch consists of a winch drum, a handle or winch crank, a winch pawl, a winch gear housing, and a self-tailing mechanism.

The winch drum is a cylindrical component that has a rope wrapped around it multiple times. The winch crank is used by the person to rotate the drum manually, causing the rope to tighten. The winch pawl is a ratcheting mechanism that prevents the drum from moving backward when a load is applied to the rope. The winch gear housing includes gears and bearings that provide mechanical advantage to the person operating the winch, making it easier to control the boat’s sails.

The self-tailing mechanism of a sailboat winch is designed to grip hold of the rope automatically. This allows the user to use both hands for controlling the sails while being able to release and adjust the rope quickly.

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What is a Sailboat Winch?

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

A sailboat winch is a mechanical winding device that allows you to tighten and loosen lines. Winches ratchet in either direction.

Sailboat winches are present on nearly every sailing vessel above twenty feet in length. Winches allow you to wind your sheets and halyards using a crank instead of pulling them in by hand. Like blocks, winches are mechanical devices designed to manipulate forces.

Table of contents

Sailboat Winch Design

Sailboat winches are relatively simple devices. Winches aboard sailboats are, in essence, miniaturized versions of large winches aboard full-sized ships. They consist of a rotating drum atop a plate, which contains a cam and a gear system.

Sailboat winches also have a slot on top for a crank, which is removable and often switched between winches on either side of the cockpit. Winches have a "cleat" above the drum, which holds the line in place, and a "self-tailor" that feeds the cable into the cleat. Older winches don't always have a cleat or a self-tailor.

What does a Sailboat Winch Do?

Sailboat winches wind up lines like a spool of thread. But unlike a loose spool, sailboat winches have an internal mechanism that only allows them to turn in one direction. This means you can wind up the line, let go of the crank, and it won't all come unraveled.

What are Sailboat Winches Used For?

Sailboat winches are used in a variety of ways. Most sailboat winches are used to manipulate the rigging. These tasks include hoisting the sails with the halyards and trimming the sheets.

Sailboats usually have at least two winches, but many have four or more. These are commonly located atop the aft section of the cabin and along the rails of the cockpit.

Some winches are located on the stern, and others at the bow for lifting the anchor or pulling up to the dock. Some winches serve more than one purpose. For example, you can raise the mainsail , secure the mainsheet to a cleat, unwind the line, and use the winch for something else.

Ratcheting Winches

Sailboat winches contain a ratcheting cam system. Ever hear a winch make a clicking sound during winding? That's the cam at work. The cam is a spring loaded rocker that runs along with a gear in the winch. It works like a bicycle sprocket.

When you set the direction of a winch, the cam shifts into a position that blocks the gear teeth from turning towards it. However, when wound in the set direction, the teeth of the gear lift up the cam, which drops to the next tooth producing that signature clicking sound.

Winch Gears and Speeds

Winches often have multiple gears, which change the speed of the turn. Winches typically use a fast and a slow speed, which is activated by turning the crank in a particular direction.

Use the fast speed when taking up the slack, as it's faster but harder to turn. When tension begins to build, switch cranking directions, and it'll switch to the slow speed. The slower speed produces more torque.

How to Use a Sailboat Winch

Operating a sailboat winch is usually quite easy and can be accomplished quickly in almost any condition. Winding (loading) and unwinding the winch are different processes, which we'll cover here.

How to Load a Sailboat Winch

Start by winding the rope around the winch by hand in a clockwise direction from bottom to top. After the first loop, pull out as much slack as you can by hand. Three or four loops are usually sufficient.

Next, take the top end of the line and place it in the jaw of the self-tailor, then secure it in the cleat. Now you can begin winding the winch, usually with the fast gear first. Once tension begins to rise, switch to the slow speed until you're satisfied with the result.

How to Unwind a Sailboat Winch

Unwinding the winch is simple but requires some strength and control. Start by getting a good grip on the loose end of the line. Next, carefully remove it from the cleat. Gently ease out on the rope by releasing tension. Once you've reached the desired length, simply slide the end of the line back into the cleat.

Sailboat Winch Safety

Sailboat winches store a lot of force, so it's essential to treat them and the areas directly around them with respect. It's generally best to keep your hands and body at least a foot away from the winch when it is moving.

Also, keep your clothes, hair, and life jacket straps away from the moving pieces, as anything loose can get caught and compressed between the lines. Winches can break bones, so be aware and use caution.

Winches Without Cleats and Self-Tailors

Many older winches and simpler winch designs don't use self-tailor systems. Self-tailors are a convenient and effective design feature, but having one isn't entirely necessary to operate a sailboat winch.

Winches without integral cleats or self-tailors always have another kind of cleat nearby. In many cases, a cam cleat is located on a deck or bulkhead directly across from the winch. Load and wind the winch as you normally would, then draw the end of the line into the cam cleat and pull it tight.

Winch Winding Tips

Winding a winch can be tricky at first, which is why we're going to cover a few sailboat winch tips to help you get started. With these tips, you can reduce the amount of time you spend untangling lines and (hopefully) prevent the occasional rope burn or palm blister.

For one, always wind the winch in a clockwise direction starting from the bottom. This is standard procedure, even if the cleat is lower than the base of the winch. Winding the winch from the top down requires you to feed the excess line underneath the source, which is hazardous and time-consuming.

Also, keep the crank in a secure location if it doesn't utilize a locking system when connected to the winch. Losing a winch crank is a hassle, especially when it falls overboard.

After looping the line around the winch, pull out as much of the slack as you can by hand. It's faster, and there's no need to crank the winch if the tension isn't very tight. Some people get away with never using the winch crank.

Electric Winches

Electric winches are one of those super useful sailboat gadgets that everybody wants, but few people have. Electric winches wind using a motor, which eliminates most of the human effort involved.

Electric winches can be controlled from a central location, such as the enclosed pilothouse of a large sailboat. These winches are useful for large cruising vessels that use canopies to cover the cockpit while underway.

Electric winches are much costlier than many high-end mechanical winches, and they're more complicated. That said, they're most reliable, and the majority of electric winches have a traditional crank receptacle for backup use.

Sailboat Winch Maintenance

Sailboat Winches are mechanical devices with metal parts, which means they'll need periodic inspection and maintenance. The best way to extend the service life of your winches is to cover them when the boat is not in use.

Greasing the Winch

Winches may begin to bind or seize up with age or neglect. If you notice your winch starting to slow down, it may be time to pull it apart and grease it.

Greasing is an important part of winch maintenance, and it should be done if any part of the winch starts sticking. Winch design varies, so consult the manual or online forums before pulling it apart.

Before greasing the winch, disassemble it and wipe off excess gunk. Spray or soak the parts in a solvent to remove any leftover grease, dirt, and grime. Automotive brake cleaner is an inexpensive way to remove grease.

Oil-Only Parts

Some winch parts, such as the pawl, should never be greased. Grease is too thick for the pawl and could cause it to bind up. Instead, lubricate these parts with machine oil.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Winches: Ratios and Reality

When comparing winches, its important to understand how input and output interface. The winch handle is a rotary lever that is the first stage of power amplification. The ratio of drum radius-to-handle length is the first force multiplier. An 8-inch handle and a 2-inch radius drum, therefore, deliver a 4-to-1 boost in pulling power and a 4-to-1 decrease in line-hauling speed.

When you switch to a 10-inch handle, the ratios are 5-to-1, giving you a 20-percent increase in power. Add a double grip to the longer handle, and a crewmember who normally would revert to counter-rotation (low gear) when the torque was around 25 pounds, now delivers 40 pounds of input into the winch at both the high- and low-gear ratios. In short, the simplest and most cost-effective power upgrade is a longer, double-grip handle.

Once you have the right handle, you should look at gear ratio, and then to power ratio. A gear ratio of 1:1 means one turn of the handle equals one turn of the drum. In this case, the only extra pulling power is derived from the lever effect of the winch handle. The purpose of gears in a winch is an equivalent to sprockets on the hill-climbing road bike; sprockets allow the rider to deliver more power to the back wheel, with less effort. A transmission does the same in a car.

Theres no free lunch here. However, rotary energy going in can be reapportioned via a gear train to increase pulling power, but this slows the recovery rate. The opposite is also possible. In a perfectly friction-less world, if you put 30 pounds of force into the winch handle (a 4:1 lever), on a winch with a 7:1 gear ratio in low gear, the output pulling power is 4 x 7 x 30 = 840 pounds. If you do the same on the Pontos four-speed Trimmer with an 18.6:1 low gear, the equation is 4 x 18.6 x 30 = 2,232 pounds.

On a new or well-maintained winch, friction losses account for 10-percent loss of efficiency when operating in the mid-range loads. The efficiency drops off a bit as the winch approaches its maximum load-handling capacity; bearings start to bind, and the spindle starts to tilt. If overloading occurs, however, it can permanently deform key parts inside the winch, and its efficiency decreases precipitously. This is why cruising sailors should not opt for smaller winches, even though they are not racing.

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How to operate a winch

by Simon Jollands | Crewing skills

Winches are drum shaped mechanical devices used to handle halyards, sheets and control lines. One of the important crew skills to learn is winch handling and knowing how to operate a winch correctly.

The sails of a large yacht exert considerable force on the ropes which control them. As a result, hauling the ropes tight requires considerable physical effort. Knowing how to operate a winch makes the task much easier.

The average cruising yacht has several winches in the cockpit area.  Some yachts also have winches on either side of the mast.

How winches work

A winch works by applying friction to a rope, gripping it tight in the process. If possible it is best for two crew members to operate a winch.  One person works the winch and the other pulls on the end of the rope, known as tailing.  

Some winches have a jaw-like device called a self-tailer. A self-tailing winch grips onto a rope and prevents it from unwinding, which makes it possible for one person to operate the winch.

1.Beginning from the bottom of the drum, wrap the rope around the barrel of the winch in a clockwise direction.

2. Wind the rope around the drum three or four times.

3. Insert the winch handle into the top of the winch and use it to wind the rope tight.

4. Cleat the rope when it is wound in to keep it under tension.

5. Remove the winch handle.  

Riding turn

It is very important not to overlap the turns of the rope as this will cause them to cross over each other and jam. When this happens it is known as a riding turn.

Easing a sheet

The skipper might ask for a sheet under load on a winch to be eased a little. This may happen when a jib sheet has been over tightened. This is done as follows:

1. Uncleat the sheet.

2. Keep the sheet tight to prevent it slipping.

3. Press the heel of your hand over the turns on the winch.

4. Allow the sheet to slide slowly around the drum, releasing some of the tension.

5. Re-cleat the sheet when it is eased enough.

• Winches turn in a clockwise direction.
• If you can’t remember which way a winch turns, give it a quick turn with your hand before putting a rope around it.
• Pull all the slack in before you load the winch to avoid a riding turn.  
• Make at least three turns of a rope around a winch when you load it.  
• Keep the back of your hand facing the drum to prevent your fingers getting trapped.
• Ease a sheet with the heel of your hand to prevent your fingers getting trapped.

Tell the skipper if you do not know how to operate a winch.  You will be instructed how to use it properly and safely. This is very important as winches can trap fingers and get jammed if they are not used correctly.

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How To Use A Winch On A Sailboat

Sailing is an extremely invigorating recreational activity, imagine feeling the wind’s gentle breeze, and the radiance of the clear blue sky. It’s also a great way to get yourself outdoors and have a vacation at your own set time and a place of your choosing. Though there can be a lot of work involved in it, with the right tools and practice, you can put yourself on a boat much more quickly. One of the tools that you can have installed on your boat is a winch.

When you hear about winches, they are typically associated with vehicles. In vehicles, winches are additional attachments installed for a utility purpose or self-recovery when stuck. Winches are not limited for use in vehicles only, they are also used in other areas as well, and one of those areas is sailing. If you want a guide on how to use a winch, refer to this guide .

Sailing can be a tremendous exercise, it can be exhausting trying to control those sails, especially if you are sailing alone. It can be a great exercise controlling those sails, but if you are sailing for leisure they can be quite troublesome. To make it easy for you to control those sails, you may want a winch for controlling those sails.

At a Glance

Winches For Sailboats?

Used on sailboats, winches provide a mechanical way for handling sheets, halyards, and other lines. Even small boats such as 30 or 40-foot sailboats have pulling forces up to 2 tons, depending on the wind conditions. Winches also provide the force needed for when controlling heavy sail hoists and for controlling the sail during strong winds. 

Winches work by having the ropes wrapped around the drum of the winch, they are held together by friction. It is best to operate the winch by a tailing method, one person holds the ropes while the other operates the winch. The tailing method is not that necessary, winches can still be operated by only one person.

Choosing The Right Winch For Your Sailboat

Before we get into the tutorial of how to operate the winch, you must first learn which winch to get. The pull of the lines from the sails can be strong especially for when winds are strong. So pick which winch is capable of handling it. There are factors you need to consider when getting a winch, the purpose of it , sail area , and sailboat length .

• Self-Tailing: The popular type of winch, primarily used in yachts, for sheet halyards and control lines.
• Plain Top: A type of winch for sailboats, primarily used in sports, this is more focused on speed and efficiency in casting ropes. These models of winches can get expensive.
• Sail Area: Determine the surface area of your sail. This part of the specification is needed to determine the right size of the winch you need.
• Sailboat Length: Determine the size of your sailboat. You will need the specifications so that your winch manufacturer can determine which winch for you to get.

How to Operate A Winch On A Sailboat

Here is a basic step by step guide to operating a winch when sailing.

• Wrap The Ropes Around The Winch: Begin wrapping the ropes starting from the bottom of the drum and work your way up.  Wrap the ropes around the drum in a clockwise direction.
• Make sure when the ropes are being wrapped around each other are stacked neatly. This avoids the ropes from getting tangled and causing a jam.
• Insert The Winch Handle: Insert the winch handle at the top of the winch and use it to tighten the ropes. Be sure that the handle is safely installed properly. Try to jerk it around to ensure that they are installed properly. This avoids unnecessary mistakes and accidents that happen when the handle suddenly pops off.
• Cleat The Rope: Begin the cleat the rope when it is wound up in to keep it under tension.
• Grinding And Tailing: The act of rotating the winch is grinding while the act of pulling the ropes and tightening it is tailing. Both of these actions need to work together and simultaneously. This is for the winch to be able to pull the line and tighten it around the winch drum. Sometimes only one person is needed to do both actions, it depends on what the situation calls for. The person doing the pulling is the tailer and the person grinding the winch is the grinder.
• Remove The Winch Handle: After you are done with your activity, remove the winch handle.

Winch Recommendations

If you are not into operating boat winches manually, perhaps you could consider gas powered winch. Some models of gas powered winch are portable and they can be used for a variety of applications, including sailing.

Here are some of our recommendations for gas powered winch:

• Portable Winch Gas-Powered Capstan Winch – 1,550-Lb.
• Portable Winch Gas-Powered Capstan Winch – 2,200-Lb.  
• Portable Winch Gas-Powered Capstan Winch Forestry Kit – 2,200-Lb . 

Now that you have learned how to operate a winch on a sailboat, get out of there and have some fun! Do you have any more thoughts about his guide? Do you think I missed something? Comment below. We also offer other guides and tips regarding winches, such as Boat Trailer Winch Stand Review and Best ATV Winch for Snowbear Plow .

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How To Use a Sailboat Winch

Learning how to use a sailboat winch is important for anyone wanting to sail. After a few uses, you can see that it is a simple operation when needed.

March 16, 2023

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Failure to use it properly could result in serious injury, which is why it is important to know the basics. So how would you know how to use one?

Operating a winch is simple when instructed correctly. You begin wrapping the line around the winch at least three or four times from the bottom while also keeping it tight and cranking the handle with the other two teams would split this operation on on larger boats or in windy conditions.

A sailboat winch is designed to wind your sheets and halyards in with a crank instead of using your back. This modern device is crucial to sailors that might not be as quick on their feet or have a smaller crew to work with.

As simple as this operation sounds, it can still lead to a dangerous situation for your hands if you are not careful. According to experienced sailors, you must always be focused on wrapping the line but keep a watch on where you place your hands when tightening.

Table of Contents

‍ How Winches Work

Winches work by applying friction to the ropes and allowing them to hold them tight in the process. It is ideal if two people work a winch together, especially on a larger boat or in windier conditions.

One person would be tying the rope around the winch while the other person would be in charge or making sure it stays tight, and then they would tighten down the winch. Some winches are different, whereas they have a jaw to thread the rope through.

These devices allow for one person to operate since the rope will not be lost in the jaw and unwind. Some winches you can convert into self-tailing winches, or you can buy them already made .

Operating the Sailboat Winch

Using the sailboat winch is pretty straightforward and should be easy to comprehend after a few times. You will begin by having a rope in one hand and at the bottom of the drum, rotating it in a clockwise motion.

As you begin winding the rope from bottom to top, you will likely use about three of four wraps around. Remember that your rope needs to lay on top of the other and be secured around the drum. Otherwise, you risk the rope pinching down and not having a good resistance.

Once you have wrapped your rope around three or four times around the drum of the winch, remain holding it through the other side and keep tension on it. Then you can insert the winch handle to tighten down the winch and rope.

You will need to cleat or tie off the rope to keep tension on the rope when you have finished this process. Once completed, simply take off the winch handle and put it back in a good storage place.

How to Wrap the Winch

If you are operating the winch for the first time, you might get confused about how you must wrap the drum on the winch. Wrapping it the wrong way will result in fouled lines or a tangled mess.

In most cases, wrapping the line from the bottom to top in a clockwise direction is the proper way to go. Before you wrap the winch, you can give it a turn with your hand to see which direction it will rotate.

Once you have determined the proper direction, then you will confidently know which way to wrap the winch. Whenever the skipper, or if you are sailing by yourself, needs it done, then you will be able to tie it off with ease.

Finishing the Tacking Process

When you have wrapped the rope around the winch, you are ready to tack. This is when you instruct the skipper that it is time to start releasing the sheets.

When the helm is over, the bow will swing through the wind and you can begin releasing the sheets. This means you will need to unwrap the line from the winch and let it run free to the other side.

If the grinder has been preloaded on the other side, then that winch will be ready to help pull in the jib and allow it to switch sides. During this time, the tacking has to be timed correctly.

If you happen to release the winch too early, then the boat will reduce speed and be unable to correctly complete the tack. If you let go of the winch wraps at the wrong time, you risk having your jib getting stuck on the mast or lines, causing a huge mess and potentially turning sharp.

The best thing you can do if you are nervous about the timing of the process is to practice. Have an experienced sailor or someone that is proficient in this process show you how to safely do it. This way you will get a feel for how everything will be and when you need to be releasing the jib sheet.

Practical Uses for Sailboat Winches

Even though winches are designed to be used for their outlined primary purpose, there are some situations where it could come in handy. Regardless if it is an electric or manual, you would be surprised as to the amount of use it provides.

The jib winch helps bring in spring or breast lines on windy days when it does not want to be cooperative at the dock. A couple of wraps on this winch and you can have your vessel wrangled in the dock in no time.

Having a winch on the mast can be useful when hauling halyards or on the stern with spinnaker gear. This could prove to be one of the more useful tools on your boat.

You could also look to secure someone during a man overboard procedure or to tie off your dinghy during hazardous weather. The point here is that you can turn a winch into life saving equipment in a heartbeat with the right plan in mind.

The Appeal of Self-Tailing and Electric Winches

While manual winches are cost-effective, a self-tailing or electric winch is quite appealing if you are by yourself or just do not want the hassle. With advancements in technology, there are plenty of winches to choose from.

Self-tailing winches are designed for the tail to go into a round jam cleat on top of the drum. Once there, you can crank a handle yourself without having to rely on another crew member to pull it for you.

As for an electric winch, this takes it one step further in alleviating the amount of work you have to do. The electric motor will grind the winch automatically while it self-tails, giving you the freedom to raise and lower the jib. This technological advancement will save your back and free up more time.

Caring for Your Winch

As helpful as the winch is designed to be, one wrong move with it and you could easily see $3000 go down the drain. Taking it apart yourself might be a task too difficult for some, but learning how to properly care for it is all you really need.

If you can cover the winch when not in use, like a winch cover , this is an easy step to prolong the life of your winch. With the number of UV rays and salt water splashing about, you can help protect your winches with this easy preventative maintenance method.

In addition, the cover can help protect it from cuts and dings along the way. For something as crucial to the performance of your boat, a simple cover can make a big difference.

Avoiding Accidents

While this operation is fairly simple, there is always room for someone to get hurt. Even though these rarely cause lethal injuries, the risk of losing a finger or severely damaging your hand is possible.

When someone becomes too comfortable around equipment, this is when accidents happen. This is especially true when someone operates the winch and they keep their hands too close to the drum when tightening.

If you are cranking the handle, you definitely do not want to have your hands anywhere near the drum. Always watch your pinch points when operating.

Not only do you have to know what you are doing here, but communication between a crew is crucial to avoiding an accident when using a winch. On larger boats, you might have to have multiple people pulling a rope and tying it off.

If some are cranking while the others are holding the line, both parties have to be aware of their environment to make sure everyone remains safe. In addition, you need to make sure you are holding the line correctly where your thumbs are pointing back toward you. In the event you need to let go of the line, you can do so with ease compared to your fingers being pulled.

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Question about 2-speed winches

• Thread starter SFS
• Start date Oct 13, 2015
• Forums for All Owners
• Ask All Sailors

I'm wondering if I'm confused about the operation of 2-speed winches. I thought that rotating the handle one way would give you one speed, and rotating it the other way would give you the other speed. Does the winch handle have to be in position for this to occur? Or perhaps the winch has to be under load? I ask because at the dock today I rotated (by hand) all of my winches, and they all only rotated in one direction. I have two Barlow 20's and two Barlow 23's. Both are supposedly 2-speed winches. Am I missing something simple?  

they only turn one way no matter which way you crank...but if you notice on the 2 speed ones there is a difference in the drum speed ...a good way to check this is to mark the top of the drum and count the rotations of the drum when turning the crank one full rotation  

." I thought that rotating the handle one way would give you one speed, and rotating it the other way would give you the other speed." That has always been my experience, but I've only used Lewmars and Harkens the last couple decades. Doesn't require load but you have to turn the center spindle with a handle. Only the center spindle (and handle) turns both ways, the drum only turns one way (clockwise) as Woodster said.  

Counter clockwise cranking is high speed, clockwise is low speed. Lewmar 40's. On a single speed, counter clockwise is cranking, clockwise is only clicking, like a ratchet.  

The drum always rotates clock wise, the pawls inside keep it from rotating backwards. With a single speed winch, cranking the handle clockwise turns the drum in the same direction, counter clockwise it will "ratchet" just like a wrench. With a two speed winch, clockwise grinding is the same as the single speed, however, counter clockwise grinding will engage another set of gears which keep the drum rotating in the same direction, but at a lower the speed, thus increasing the power. You can easily determine this by inserting the handle into the winch and watch the drum when you crank both ways.  

JohnShannon

like everybody says, drum only rotates in one direction. If it didn't? how exactly would you sheet in?  

Thanks all. Sounds like the winch handle is the key. I was conducting my experiment with my hands, just before getting off the boat, and was in a hurry. I am aware that the drum will only rotate one direction (that's what the pawls are for). I can rotate the drum in that direction by hand, but my attempts to turn the inner section (by putting sliding pressure on the cover plate in the center of the drum with my fingers) just met with lockup. I'll try it today with the handle.  

SFS said: Thanks all. Sounds like the winch handle is the key. I was conducting my experiment with my hands, just before getting off the boat, and was in a hurry. I am aware that the drum will only rotate one direction (that's what the pawls are for). I can rotate the drum in that direction by hand, but my attempts to turn the inner section (by putting sliding pressure on the cover plate in the center of the drum with my fingers) just met with lockup. I'll try it today with the handle. Click to expand

Ok, so I tried all four winches today on the boat, and they only drive the drum when rotating the winch handle in one direction. When you reverse the winch handle direction, I hear the pawls clicking past stops, but the drum does not rotate. Any thoughts or suggestions? I have the "owner's manuals" (basically an exploded diagram for each winch) from Barlow/Barient of Australia, and both models are billed as two-speed winches.  

Any chance there's a lever or switch to flip before you turn the other way? I profess no expertise in this but remember a model winch in middle school in India as a "modern" way if raising a bucket of water from a well that had a lever to hit before using the second speed  

Being that you have exploded view drawings of each winch model, take the drum off and see if there are any missing gears or parts. Barlow/Barient made different versions of some of their winch models. It very well could be that your winches are the single speed version of the 20 & 23.  

Whigman said: Any chance there's a lever or switch to flip before you turn the other way? Click to expand

Roadking Larry

I had 2 speed Barlows on my Cal when I got it. at the time I didn't realize they were 2 speed winches till I cleaned and serviced them (probably for the first time in over a decade).  

I took apart all 4 winches last week, because I suspected they had not been serviced is a long time, and I was correct. Each one was greased with a different grease, in vastly different amounts. In one, the pawl springs were overcome by the tackiness of the aging grease. I cleaned all parts, lubed them properly, using only a very light machine oil on the pawls. All of the pieces were in remarkably good shape. I encountered no difficulties, and reassembled them as they came apart, using pictures on my phone to verify. None of the winches say "2-speed" on them beside the model number on the top plate. It is clear to me now, with all the forum input, and rewinding my mental tape of the cleanings, that the 20's cannot be two speed, as there is only one set of pawls in the entire winch. Now that I look more closely, the one page piece of documentation sent to me by the Barlow successor in Australia for the 20 does not say 2-speed on the diagram. However, the diagram for the 23 does say "2-speed", and in each of these 23's there were 2 pairs of pawls, each engaging in a different set of lands. Idler gears were present in both of the 23's. I guess they could be one-speed versions, but does the second set of pawls make that unlikely?  

SFS said: However, the diagram for the 23 does say "2-speed", and in each of these 23's there were 2 pairs of pawls, each engaging in a different set of lands. Idler gears were present in both of the 23's. I guess they could be one-speed versions, but does the second set of pawls make that unlikely? Click to expand

Joe thanks for the link, that's the source of my diagram for the 23. In the 23 I definitely have an idler gear on a shaft. That gear meshes with gearing on the internal drum. I do have two sets of pawls, located as the diagram indicates, so those two pieces of info confirm this is a two speed winch. The winch handle turns in both directions, but only one of those directions drives the winch drum. Any thoughts on that specifically? The winches were put back together correctly. It's a really simple winch - the only ways to screw up reassembly (aside from greasing the pawls instead of oiling) would be to put pawls back in the wrong locations (which can't happen - they are identical parts, according to the parts list), put the pawl springs in reversed (which the diagram will prevent you from doing if you can read, plus the pawls snapped back in place crisply when lubed and tested), or put in the idler gear upside down on its shaft (it has a slightly raised flange along its inner diameter on one side only). I put it back in the way I found it, which was flange down (on both winches). I am certainly willing to break the winch down again and reverse this gear, just to test it empirically, but could that really be the problem? If we assume the winch is reassembled correctly, what else could be going on here? I'll go down to the boat in a few minutes and record which direction of handle rotation works, and which one does not, in case that helps with a diagnosis. The 20's are definitely one speed, the have no gears internally. Thanks again to all who responded, and to anyone that can add the final piece to the puzzle here.  

I have Lewmars and made the mistake of not carefully looking at the idler gear. One side has an ever-so-slight recess that I didn't notice. Put it back together and it didn't work in two speeds. Once apart I could see the indent so I flipped the gear and it worked fine. That was the 2nd winch I had cleaned and the first one worked fine with only one assembly, now what are the odds of that? All U Get  

justsomeguy

All U Get said: I have Lewmars and made the mistake of not carefully looking at the idler gear. One side has an ever-so-slight recess that I didn't notice. Put it back together and it didn't work in two speeds. Once apart I could see the indent so I flipped the gear and it worked fine. That was the 2nd winch I had cleaned and the first one worked fine with only one assembly, now what are the odds of that? All U Get Click to expand

I have a final update. After a series of 30 emails back and forth with Hutton Winches in Australia (the successor to Barlow/Barient), I received a lot of input and troubleshooting guidance, but had made no progress on the problem. So I made a video showing the behavior of the winch, and showing that I put the winch together correctly, with all pawls actuating appropriately. I sent the video to Hutton. The response I got was "You never said it was a model 23 Self Tailing . All self tailing 23s were single speed". So I wasted a lot of time and energy, part of which was because I was led down a bit of a garden path once the Hutton guy stated in an email that the 23 was never made in a single speed version. Once he and I started talking about one pair of pawls versus the other, and whether the idler gear could be stopped by hand when rotating the handle one way but not the other, I was sure we were on to something. However, it was obviously partly my fault, as I never mentioned the self tailing feature. Lesson learned. Maker, model number AND serial number are always important in parts work, and in effect, I left out the "serial number" here. For anyone that knows as little about winches as I did when this started, here is an important summary: 1) As Joe said in #15 above, if you have put the winch back together correctly and it only works in one direction, it is a one-speed winch. 2) A second pair of pawls, or the presence of gears, in a winch does not make it a two-speed winch.. Thank you all for the responses and for the help.  

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Do You Need Self-Tailing Winches? Absolutely! Here’s Why

There are two main types of winches, self-tailing, and non-self-tailing. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Self-tailing winches will make the sailor’s life easier. A self-tailing winch is a winch that will tail itself when you are grinding(cranking) the winch. Tailing is the act of pulling the extra line out of the way, to avoid overriding.

To understand this concept a little better keep reading as I discuss winches and how they work.

How Does A Winch Work On A Sailboat?

A winch is used to tighten the sails. This is done by wrapping the line around the winch and cranking it until it is tight. A winch will allow the sail sheet to be tightened a lot more than a human can tighten it. This will optimize the sail shape and harness the wind better, creating more speed.

The winch is a very important part of sailing. If you want to use the wind to its full capacity, then you need to utilize your winches. When I started sailing I never bothered to touch the winches. I just sailed without them and had a great time. You can do this as well until you are ready.

The winch will create more pressure on your lines causing the sail to tighten much farther than it would under normal human strength. Winches have a rough almost teeth-like grip that the lines will wrap around. This grip allows the winch to hold on to the rope and not slide when tightening it. If you let go of the rope it will loosen though.

A winch always turns clockwise, so remember to wrap your lines in a clockwise motion. If, you can remember this turn the winch with your hand before wrapping the lines around it. This will help remind you. After doing it for a while you will never forget it again. Follow the steps below for using a non-self-tailing winch.

If you want to learn about electric winches, click here to see my other article on Electric Winches and if they can be used manually!

How to use a non-self-tailing winch, 1. pull the slack out of the sheet, before wrapping it around the winch., 2. wrap the line around the winch in a clockwise motion, starting at the bottom., 3. after three wraps, pull more slack out of the line if you can., 4. insert the handle and grind/crank the winch handle., 5. while cranking the winch, tail(pull) the extra line out of the way to avoid override., 6. once it is the right amount of tight, cleat off the line., 7. remove the winch handle and store it securely., 8. if the sail is too tight, uncleat it and slowly let the line out. when the desired tightness is reached cleat it off again..

There are a few things to remember when winching. Be careful not to knock your winch handle in the water. There are thousands of lost winch handles at the bottom of the ocean. I always store it securely as soon as I cleat the line off. Most boats have a specific spot to store the handle.

Do not overlap your line on the winch. Each wrap should sit against the winch. Overlapping your lines will cause a tangled knotted mess or override that will cause serious problems for you.

I also do not always grind my winch with the handle. I will wrap the winch two times and pull it tight. Just wrapping the winch one or two times will allow you to pull the line easier. If you want the most speed then you will need to crank it with the handle. When I am just cruising I hardly ever use my winch handle.

If you really want to make your life easier, I recommend using a self-tailing winch. Go to the next section to see what these are about.

What Are The Advantages Of A Self-Tailing Winch?

A self-tailing winch will hold the line by itself. It has a slot at the top where you put the tail of the line. While you turn the winch, the line will tail itself. This allows you to have an extra hand free when winching the lines.

After using a non-self-tailing winch for years, switching to a self-tailing winch will feel amazing. Not having to deal with that extra line is a great feeling. You will wonder how you ever lived without these.

Self-tailing winches will also hold your line even when you are done cranking it. I still always recommend cleating it off just in case you were to knock the line loose, but that is up to you.

An important thing to remember when considering a self-tailing winch will be the size needed.

What Size Winch Do I Need For My Sailboat?

To select the correct winch size, you will need to know the overall length of your boat and the area of the sail that you will be winching. If you plan to use multiple sails for the same winch, use the sail with the larger area for calculating winch size.

Another thing to consider when purchasing a winch is speed. The basic options are 1-speed or 2-speed. I have used both and I like the 2-speed winches. The difference is the crank speed. When you turn the handle one way it goes at 1 speed and if you crank the handle the other way it goes faster, which is the 2nd speed. Having a multi-speed option allows you to get the perfect trim for your sail.

In racing, they want to trim the sail quick after a tack. The higher speed helps them do that. If you are just going to be cruising the 2-speed is not necessary but it is nice to have when you want it.

Take a look at the diagram below to find out what size winch is recommended for your boat. Provided by andersen.com

Are Winch Handles Interchangeable?

Winch handles are interchangeable for all common winches. The main difference in winches is the locking mechanisms and the length of the handle.

You can normally purchase a winch handle that will lock in the winch or not. This is a great idea because so many are dropped overboard. You can also buy ones that are designed to float if they go overboard. During a race, you probably won’t stop to pick it up but maybe you can find it after the race.

The bigger the winch and sails, the bigger the handle.

One of the best winches I have ever seen is the folding winch handle by EasySea. The handle never has to leave the winch. It folds down on top of itself making sure it is never in your way. Check out the video below to see how they work.

If you are a casual sailor or a circumnavigator I highly recommend this winch handle.

If you are not able to get one of these foldable winch handles, just make sure to secure your regular one in a safe place that is easy to access.

Boatlifehq owner and author/editor of this article.

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What Is A Self-Tailing Winch? How Does It Work?

It is important to have control over the sailboat on the unruly waves. The self-tailing winch can serve you the exact purpose. But the question what is a self-tailing winch? How does it help people, and how to get it?

The answer to all these questions has been unveiled right next to the paragraph.

Sailing is an adventurous act you can partake in. You can enjoy riding a sailboat on the river or the sea shore. It is not a wonder why people love sailing as it is a fascinating sport. Surrounded by water and ship gliding up and down, all sailors have a breathtaking experience. Even riding a sailboat in itself gives a controlling vibe.

You can also enjoy this sailing sport. As a beginner, learning to ride a sailboat can be somewhat complex. But, some tools are there to help you out in this case. One such includes a self-tailing winch.

• 1 What Is A Self-Tailing Winch?
• 2.1 Purpose
• 2.2 Sail Area
• 2.3 Sailboat Length
• 3 How to Use a Self-Tailing Winch?
• 4.1 Winch Converter Kit
• 4.2 Winchers
• 5 How Do You Fit a Wincher?
• 6 The Last Words

What Is A Self-Tailing Winch?

The self-tailing winch is a kind of winch that comes with crossbred jaws above the drum to produce strong holding power allowing the winch to crank off by one hand and another hand free. In terms of non-self-tailing winches, you have to tail that manually to produce sufficient friction.

It is relatively hard to control a sailboat when riding alone on a sea shore. A 30 to 40 feet boat needs the pulling forces of up to 20 tons(read more about pull calculation here ). And it partially goes up when there are rough weather conditions. In such a situation, a winch is the right tool to keep near hands to pick the right way.

A winch is a handy kit to serve you with heavy force against strong winds. It allows you to control sailboats in rough, windy weather. But always, you can’t use the same winch system to serve you all purposes. Sometimes, one man can’t operate the winch. Some heavy-duty boat winches need at least two people to handle that perfectly. But a self-tailing will allow you single-handed operations without anyone’s help.

So, exactly knowing about this kind of winch, we should first know about grinding and tailing.

Grinding involves spinning the winch, whereas tailing involves pulling and tightening the rope. These two tasks need to be performed together on a winch. And that is why two people usually work together to handle a large boat winch; one involves spinning and the other tailing.

But it’s possible to perform both tasks at a time when you will use a this winch system.

A self-tailing winch is a single-handed winch system where a single person can operate it. It has one open end and a vertical drum with its capstan-type. The winch line is wrapped around the vertical drum. Moreover, the winch has a detachable handle. So, it becomes handy during single-handed operations.

A precaution is to attach this handle carefully to avoid any incidents.

Things Inside Self-Tailing Sailboat Winches?

Was a self-tailing winch the right fit for you? Did you measure its purpose and your needs? Sailing area or sailboat length is a measurement for picking a self-tailing winch. Let’s see what more things you should know about a this winch.

A wrong selection may be a waste of your money. Self-tailing winch produces heavy force if required during the windy atmosphere. If you need a greater power at the winch line, a it will be the wise selection. But for boat sports or leisure, it may be unnecessary. It will also be unwise when your boating is after a long gap just for recreation. The wise thing will be to know your purpose. Read what harken marine says .

Finding out the sail area of your sail is necessary. It is because the sail area of your sail corresponds to the area pushed by the wind. The greater the sail area, the greater the wind area is formed by the wind. Hence, it requires more weight. Winch and wind should correspond with each other for a perfect combination. Getting a winch that doesn’t suit your sailboat can lead it to break down.

Sailboat Length

The sailboat length is also important for selecting the right winch. If you carefully look at the sailboat, you’ll notice that the sufficient room of your windjammer gives you enough space against the wind. When your boat is serving weighty purposes, enough sailboat length is necessary. So, you should carefully choose your boat winch for the perfect size for your boat. Ideally, the winch should have a suitable capacity to carry the load of your boat’s length.

How to Use a Self-Tailing Winch?

Once you understand the strategy behind using the self-tailing winch, it will be easier for you to operate on it. Below are the steps you can try out for better performance.

• You may notice a vertical drum with a this winch. Wrap up the winch line around the drum to make the winch line turn. Make sure there are three turns of the winch line around the drum. Be cautious if they are clockwise. While doing this, try to use your thumbs to pull them and ensure the point is towards your body. This way, the winch line will be perfect in line and will work better when in use.
• You can bring the winch line above the metal tailing arm for more power and better performance. When you pass it through the tailing slot, it will produce more power and pulling force.
• The usage of such winch can go beyond just sailing. It helps control the spring line on the day with a heavy breeze. What you need to do is to keep it in line before starting a new journey.

Can You Convert Winch to Self Tailing?

If you want to use a winch for low-handing purposes and are willing to spend merely a small amount of buck, the self-tailing winch line is not for you. These winches are relatively expensive and serve for heavy loads, especially during windy atmospheres. So, if you do not need such a heavy-duty winch line, it will do nothing but waste your money.

But still, if you need such a winch line, technicians suggest converting your standard winch into a self-tailing. For that, you have to adopt some methods to transform it.

You can use the winchers or a winch converter kit. This way, a standard winch will perform like self-tailing winches in a non-self-tailing winch system.

Winch Converter Kit

The winch converter kit is one alternative for converting the standard winch into a self-tailing winch. It consists of a feeding arm with a new drum. You have to use this drum to adjust it.

This way, you have to replace the old drum of your non-self-tailing winch. Leaving the old drum, alternatively, you have to use the new drum and the feeding legs. It will produce more force and tackling power. And you no longer need to buy any new winches for this pursuit. Your old standard-size winch will serve you with full strength.

Looking back, you’ll see that replacing just a few necessary parts gives you a diverse benefit. And when done, you are just ready to rock.

Winchers are the next best alternative to getting a self-tailing winch from a standard winch. They are plastic-molded rings that you will fit over the winch top. The molded rings hold up the winch line and allow piling up the winch drum. It begins to roll out until the winch line reaches underneath the wincher and makes friction. It lets the winch line self-tail.  Standard winches are portable and user-friendly. The only disadvantage is that they don’t come with a feed/stripper arm to control the winch line. Technical users always ensure that the line is in control.

How Do You Fit a Wincher?

Installation of wincher is not like rocket science. You have to work on some screws, and there you go.

• Firstly, soak the wincher in hot and soapy water. That will clean it thoroughly and make it soft enough to fit easily in place.
• Remove its top screen, undo the screws and take off the drum over the top.
• Now slide the wincher in and tighten it incredibly. The tighter it is, the stronger it will be to grip the tail.
• And then, place the top drum and screw the rubber edge on its top with a screwdriver. That’s it; the self-tailing winch is now ready to go.

The Last Words

Self-tailing winches are very popular in the sailing world. If you like to have the boat alone, you better begin with it. It will help you control the sailboat during heavy cloudbursts.

Very frequently, it is seen that sailboats have gone out of control due to heavy storms and offshore winds. When you are alone on-boarding, a this winch becomes the only alternative to rescue the boat.

The most significant distinction of such winch is that it allows a single person to operate it in a remote sea zone. A single man can handle it, keeping the other hand free. So, it will not be a hamper for a sailor to control the boat if no one is there to assist him.

Self-tailing winches can hold the winch line in whatever place the sailor wants to place it. These winches are ideal for a single person to sail.

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