A winch is a fitting which uses internal gearing to increase the force applied to a rigging line.
Winches have become nearly indispensable on cruising and racing sailboats. In contrast, they are rarely found on sailing dinghies and similar small craft.
Usually made of stainless steel, cast aluminum or bronze, winches have an internal gear mechanism to increase the tensioning force that can be applied to a line. The largest models have as many as four speeds, or gear ratios. The line, usually a sheet or a halyard, is wound around an exterior drum. The winch can be operated via a single handle or take the form of a coffee-grinder, a twin-handled pedestal winch operated simultaneously by two crew. There are also electric and hydraulic models. A self-tailing winch has a cleat, in the form of a set of circular jaws, built into the upper part of the drum to keep tension on the line.
Choice will depend on the winch's maximum load capacity and available installation space on deck. Self-tailing winches are highly recommended for single- or short-handed sailing. An electric winch consumes a great deal of power, requiring significant battery-charging capacity. Only the largest vessels with ample space and power source can be fitted with the pump and lines necessary for hydraulic winches.
 |
   |
Sailboat electric winch REVO Backwinding Lewmar
Lewmar introduces a complete range of electrically-operated, backwinding winches. With the touch of a button, sailors are able to trim sails both in and out. Push one button and the winch sheets in quickly to the Working Load Limit. A well-specified motor removes the added...
 |
 |
The ingenious feature with the new Seldén winches is that you can let the rope out by reversing the winch drum. The purpose made winch handle has a knob which is pushed down with your thumb to prepare the winch for reverse drive....
 |
 |
Sailboat single speed winch (aluminium, base dia. 120-140 mm) 20.2PT Harken
Aluminum Radial winches are designed for sailors who want lightweight, extremely strong winches with plenty of power. The drums gripping surface is shaped for each winch size and drum material and features diagonal ribs (rather...
 |
 |
Lighter and smaller in volume these winches are a breakthrough from traditional design. These two key characteristics maximise comfort by reducing deck space and by increasing boat performance. A larger diameter in the drum means more traction on the rope and more efficiency...
 |
 |
Sailboat single speed winch (composite, base dia. 80-100 mm) MARELON® Forespar
Molded of Marelon® for exceptional strength, this lightweight winch will easily handle up to 200 square feet of sail. This little winch is ideal for use on the modern trailer-sailor or the small racer. On larger boats, it is great...
 |
 |
Sailboat 2 speed self-tailing winch W66 XT - W70 XT Antal
NEW SELF-TAILING XT SYSTEM: fixed upper disk with built in ST arm and selfregulating lower disk on springs. The new self-tailing adapts automatically to a wide range of rope diameters and, if overloading occurs, releases the line to avoid excess force on the ST arm. KNURLING: the drum vertical knurling offers maximum horizontal friction allowing the rope slide upwards. Differentiated...
 |
 |
Reckmann has been working closely together with Andersen from Denmark and is the specialised dealer for a broad range of these top value and easy to service stainless steel winches. The...
 |
 |
Sailboat winch 2020X SERIES Barton Marine
These composite winches are a versatile alternative to more commonplace aluminium versions. They are suitable for a wide range of applications on yachts of all sizes - as primaries for yachts up to 30ft, or...
 |
 |
Sailboat hydraulic winch REEL Rondal
Proven for robustness, resilience and reliability over many tens of thousands of ocean miles, the RW1 is built to last from hard-anodised aluminium. The robust drum house, hydraulic drive and oilbath...
 |
 |
Sailboat hydraulic winch Andersen
Based on our unique Modular Power System©, ANDERSEN Hydraulic Winches© create a solid foundation for distributing power throughout your boat. Smooth running and reliable...
 |
 |
Sailboat hydraulic winch DHC Data Hidrolik Makina Sanayi
DATA offers capstans with pulling power starting from 1000 kg.s. They can be mounted as stern capstans or bow capstans. They are designed...
 |
 |
2 speed self-tailing winch for sailboats (aluminium, base dia. 200-220 mm) Nautos
Nautos winches are the reference for a completely new concept. A result of three years of research, Nautos winches are a breakthrough from the traditional design, bringing something new to a hardware sector...
 |
 |
Sailing-yacht hydraulic winch BCWH ARTE - BAMAR
Bamar introduces on the market a new line of line stowing devices for the control of sheets and halyards, now available for sailing yachts from...
 |
 |
Sailboat two speed winch WINTECH LM/HM SERIES Premier Materials Technology
Standard Features - Cast steel drums and ring gear - Extra heavy duty construction throughout...
 |
 |
Sailing-yacht hydraulic winch Adria Winch D.O.O.
Precise machined gearbox, oil bath type consisting of self locking worm gear unit with hardened and grinded...
 |
 |
Sailboat ratchet block 84101 Wichard
Commentary Complete range of ratchet blocks Cover most of the applications Ergonomically-profiled slide...
 |
 |
Single ratchet lashing block for sailboats KBOW Karver Systems
Nervermind the way you pass the line through the block: its...
 |
 |
Sailboat aluminium winch handle A1221 Allen Brothers
Our practical, affordable winch handles are made from...
 |
 |
Sailboat electric winch handle Morea
Electric crank « MODEA » now enables you to send your large veil, to unroll or...
 |
 |
Sailboat winch cover verschiedene Grössen Swi-Tec
Protect your winches against moisture and dirt! Ideal...
 |
 |
Sailboat ratchet triple block with swivel / cam-cleat (max. line ø : 14 mm) BL = 2100 KG Rutgerson
The Rutgerson block assortment is unique in its design and functionallity....
 |
 |
Sailboat winch cover NAVISHELL
Put the cover on your winch, pull the drawstring. That is it.. Additional plastic layer at the bottom to keep...
 |
 |
Sailboat hydraulic winch-motor SOK 1 HYDROSTER Ship Machinery Works
Circulating cam hydraulic motors type SOK1 are used presently most of all in drives of rotary motion: of winches, appliances as well as underground and ground coal-mine machines, vehicles wheels,...
 |
 |
Advantages: • easily running Delrin ball bearing in the outer collar • red point in enhancing strap of stainless steel •...
 |
 |
Sailboat winch handle Muir Windlasses
Muir windlasses use standard winch handles for clutch release...
 |
 |
Our High Performance blocks are developed with emphasis on design and strength. The blocks have aluminium ball...
