9 best sailing winches

Name: Five Oceans Marine Floating Locking Winch Handle 8, 10 / Winch Handle Holder
Brand: Five Oceans
Price: 39 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (250 reviews)

Sailing winches are crucial components of a sailboat's rigging system, playing a vital role in adjusting and controlling the sails. These devices are commonly used in boating and sailing to make it easier for sailors to manage the sails and control the boat's direction. Here's what you need to know about sailing winches:

Function: Sailing winches are mechanical devices designed to handle and adjust the tension in sailboat lines (ropes or sheets). They are used to trim, hoist, or ease the sails to optimize their shape and performance according to wind conditions.
Types: There are primarily two types of sailing winches: manual and electric.
- Manual Winches: These are operated by hand, with sailors turning a winch handle to wind or unwind the line. Manual winches are commonly found on sailboats of various sizes and are reliable but require physical effort.
- Electric Winches: Electric winches are powered by an electric motor, making sail adjustment easier and less physically demanding. They are often found on larger or more modern sailing vessels.
Components: A typical sailing winch consists of several key components, including a winch drum, a winch handle socket, a self-tailing mechanism, and a winch base. The winch drum is where the line is wound, and the winch handle socket is used to turn the winch. The self-tailing mechanism helps to grip the line, preventing it from slipping when tension is applied.
Sail Control: Sailing winches are used for various sail control tasks, such as:
- Sheeting: Adjusting the angle of the sails to the wind by tightening or loosening the sheets (lines attached to the sail's bottom).
- Halyard Hoisting: Raising or lowering the sails by adjusting the halyards (lines that raise and lower the sails).
- Reefing: Reducing the sail area in strong winds by shortening the sail's height or length.
- Spinnaker Control: Managing the spinnaker, a specialized sail used for downwind sailing.
Maintenance: Sailing winches require regular maintenance to ensure they function correctly. This includes cleaning, lubrication, and inspection for wear and tear.Keeping winches in good condition is crucial for the safety and performance of the boat.
Sailboat Size: The type and size of sailing winches on a sailboat depend on the boat's size, the sails it carries, and the intended use. Larger boats with larger sails typically have more powerful winches.
Safety: Proper training and caution are essential when operating sailing winches, as they can generate a significant amount of force. Care must be taken to avoid overloading the winch or allowing lines to become fouled.

Sailing winches are integral to the sailing experience, as they enable sailors to harness the power of the wind effectively. Whether you're cruising, racing, or simply enjoying a day on the water, understanding how to use and maintain these devices is key to a safe and enjoyable sailing adventure.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best sailing winches on the market

RED Kits 2PCS Recovery Snatch Ring + 4PCS UHMWPE 1/2 Inch Synthetic Soft Shackle Winch Rope with Protective Sleeve for Sailing SUV ATV UTV 4X4 Towing Truck Climbing Boating Water Craft

Astra Depot USA

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

* Condition: 100% Brand New

* Package includes: 4X Synthetic Soft Shackles Rope with Protective Sleeves + 2X Recovery Rings

* Shackle Thickness: 1/2"

* Working load limit (WLL) : 15,000 lbs

* Breaking Strength: Max. 38,000 lbs

* Ring Load Capacity:Max. 41000lbs

* Color: Red (actual color may be little different due to photographic equipment & monitor setting)

* Material: Synthetic Fiber + T6 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum

Feature:

* Suitable for a variety of recovery vehicle and towing applications. Such as: ATV, UTV, Marine, Farming; Industrial, Mining and more

* Can work with Tree Strap, Towing Strap,... Great performance for boating, camping, personal watercraft, Climbing Off-Road Recovery

* Shackle has 38,000lb. Max breaking strengths that far exceeds than the traditional steel shackles. Made from high visibility UHMWPE Synthetic Fiber rope and floats

* Shackle is constructed from a single piece of Synthetic rope and can be easily attached and un-attached

* Recovery Ring uses in conjunction with a soft shackle replaces the traditional snatch blocks, Operating at a much higher working load makes recovery safer and easier, Reduces owner injured or cable damage for any operation

* Please Read All Description and Fitment Before Ordering the Product.

* Please have professionals to install the items to avoid trouble which very often caused by an inexperienced installer.

1 YEAR WARRANTY. Package includes: 4X Synthetic Soft Shackles Rope with Protective Sleeves + 2X Recovery Rings
Suitable for a variety of recovery vehicle and towing applications. Such as: ATV, UTV,, Marine, Farming; Industrial, Mining and more
Can work with Tree Strap, Towing Strap,... Great performance for boating, camping, personal watercraft, Climbing Off-Road Recovery
Shackle has 38,000lb. Max breaking strengths that far exceeds than the traditional steel shackles. Made from high visibility UHMWPE Synthetic Fiber rope and floats
Recovery Ring uses in conjunction with a soft shackle replaces the traditional snatch blocks, Operating at a much higher working load makes recovery safer and easier, Reduces owner injured or cable damage for any operation

User questions & answers

Question:	Minimum rope diameter for ring
Answer:	Some of the prices stated are approximate until you get to check out.
Question:	Will the ring work with 3/8 synthetic winch rope
Answer:	What do you mean with by a load chart? A chart of how much weight it can hold?
Question:	If the ring has a rating of 41k, why are there no markings on it
Answer:	It comes with instructions for the crane on the box but instructions for the other model you have to visit LEGO's website.

Lewmar EVO Self Tailing Winch, Size 30, Grey

LewMar

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Lewmar EVO 30st: Lewmar fuses its legendary quality with state of the art technology to offer the most advanced winch range ever: the EVA. Lewmar believes in evolution not revolution - it has been evolving and improving winch technology for almost half a century. Since the 1960's Lewmar has developed winch solutions for the world's leading boat-builders, custom yards and race teams. No other company in the leisure marine market has the same level of heritage and expertise when it comes to building reliable, high-quality, easy to fit and easily serviceable winches. Using Steadfast building blocks, Lewmar has taken their ocean winch, which is the most popular winch ever made, and improved it further. The EVA winch is a development that contains years of knowledge and understanding of what boat builders and sailors want. No compromises have been made in terms of quality or integrity of design. You won't find much plastic here; Lewmar uses high quality alloys and metal! Lewmar EVO winch range evolution from their renowned ocean winch.

Drum material: anodized aluminum/alloy, type: 2-speed, self tailing
Base diameter: 5-7/16", height: 5-3/4"
Line size: 5/16" - 1/2"
Country of Origin:Wales

User questions & answers

Question:	Are backing plates available for the Lewmar
Answer:	First, this machine is made in the US and 99% of other fitness equipment is not. It is very well built with quality products. Any commercial grade stepper equipment is this price or higher. If you are looking for a better price look directly on the Gronk Fitness Website.

Andersen 12 ST FS Self-Tailing Manual Single Speed Winch - Full Stainless

ANDERSEN

Check latest price

Product description

12 ST FS Self-Tailing Manual Single Speed Winch - Full StainlessPower RibANDERSEN Winches feature the Power Rib. Unlike other winches with abrasive drum surfaces, ANDERSEN winch drums have vertical ribs running up the surface. This combined with the smooth polished stainless steel gives a maximum grip and minimum wear on ropes, reducing the replacements costs of sheets and halyards. What's more, the Power Rib principle simply makes sailing more pleasurable. Fewer turns on the winch make tacking easier. Sheets can be gently eased out without harsh snatching and the risks of overrides and jammed sheets are significantly reduced. The grip provided by the ribs will remain the same year after year, unlike many other winches with an abrasive or sandpaper-like surface. Such surfaces have a tendency to wear down both ropes and RatioPower Ratio is the mechanical advantage of the winch and is calculated as follows:length of handle x gear ratio radius of drumThe pull of the winch is based on the Power Ratio and not just on the physical size of the winch or the diameter of the drum. The Power Ratio is used to determine the load the winch may handle as follows: pull of handle (kg x Power Ratio = pull of winch (kg).This means that by applying a load of 10kg, using a 10" standard handle, on a Power Ratio 40:1 winch, the winch can pull 400kg, assuming that the winch is 100% efficient. This is not possible in practice as the efficiency is reduced by internal mechanical friction :Drum Ø D: 2-3/4"Base Ø B: 4-1/2"Height H: 5"Line Entry L: 1-3/4"Line Size: 5/16-9/16"Weight: Gear ratio 1st speed: 1.3 : 1Power ratio 1st speed: 9.5 :1

ANDERSEN
RA2012010000

10" OneTouch, Standard Grip Winch Handle

Lewmar

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Lewmar OneTouch winch handles allow you to lock in and remove the winch handle with one hand

Easy one-handed removal – just squeeze and lift
Release lever runs entire length of the handle
Lightweight, forged construction
Corrosion resistant for years of performance under harsh conditions
Available in Standard Grip and Power Grip

Sea-Dog 604080 Locking Whinch Handle 8" Fiber-Glass Nylon

Sea-Dog

Based on 30 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Patented design is made by way of air assist injection molding instead of foam filled method, thus preventing any potential leakage of foam from within the handle. Both sizes feature ball bearings in the handle to ensure smoother action under load. Quick and easy to use.

Injection Molded Fiberglass Nylon
Winch Size: 8"
Includes ball bearings for smoother turning under load
Quick and easy installation

User questions & answers

Question:

I have a barlow 22 winch will it fit

Answer:

The speed of the rotating staircase is controlled by the tension of the cable attached to the waist belt. Do not use the machine without wearing the Waist Belt. The Waist Belt controls the brake as well as the rung speed. Start out slowly and increase rung speed carefully while wearing Waist Belt. Never let anyone touch the waist belt cable while machine is being used. Tugging the cable will cause rung speed increase.

Five Oceans Marine Floating Locking Winch Handle 8", 10" / Winch Handle Holder

Five Oceans

Based on 164 reviews Check latest price

IDEAL FOR Medium Winch Handles 9-1/2 inches (241mm) (L) x 1-7/8 inches (47.5mm) (W)
MADE FROM High Quality UV stabilized Non-Corrosive PVC
SUITABLE FOR standard or lock-in handle up to 10". Easy to install, self-draining
WINCH HANDLE HOLDER Safety Style to prevent injuries
MOUNTS anywhere in a vertical position using screws. OFF WHITE Color

User questions & answers

Question:	i read this can be mounted with hose clamps. does this mean i can mount to my 4" dia steering plupit support
Answer:	The first one that I purchased, the frame also broke in two places. but it was after two years of hard workouts. We looked around and could not find a better deal on one that we liked, so we bought a second one and it has worked fine so far. On 1/1/14,the second one broke. We have had it 10 months. Obviously , they are a piece of junk.
Question:	Will this fit a square winch socket
Answer:	The handlebar's are secured by 2 bolts so they don't twist. They do move just slightly but it not a problem during the workout. Very stable and secure.
Question:	Will this fit my Lewmar Power windless for my anchor
Answer:	Yes it can be bolted down but I would make sure it in an area that is protected from the elements.
Question:	Does it have 8 points on the gear teeth
Answer:	The ad says: 65.5"H x 31.25"W x 76"LIt's a fantastic machine!

Product features

Marine Winch Handle Holder, 9-1/2

This Five Oceans winch handle holder keeps a winch handle ready and near when you need it. It's perfect for holding any standard or lock-in handle. Not mention, its durable PVC material, easy install, and self-draining system. Able to be mounted anywhere in a vertical position while using either screws or hose clamps.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Ideal for Medium Winch Handles
Dimensions: 9-1/2 inches (L) x 1-7/8 inches (W)
Style: Winch Handle Holder
Color: Off-White
Material: UV stabilized Non-Corrosive PVC

PRODUCT NUMBER: FO-570

Five Oceans Universal Aluminum Lock-in Winch Handle, 10 inches

Five Oceans

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

DESIGNED to resist the harsh marine environment. MADE FROM Forged Aluminum and Rubber
THIS HANDLE has easy-grip roller handles and provides comfortable grips
UNIQUE ball bearing system allows fast, free cranking. Lock-in Type
LENGHT is 10 inches (254mm) and Weight is 1 Pound and 5 Ounces
BLACK handle with Black and Orange grip

Product features

10" Quick-Lock Winch Handle Palm Grip

This Five Oceans locking winch handle is 10 inches with ball bearing grip handle. This makes these winches very light and strong, not to mention its aluminum designed to resist the harsh marine environment. Each of these winches is suitable for all-star sockets.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Style: Lock-in
Socket Style: Star Socket
Length: 10"(254mm)
Material: Forged Aluminum
Grip: Palm Grid

PRODUCT NUMBER: FO-3743

Five Oceans Universal Aluminum Lock-in Winch Handle, 10 inches

Five Oceans

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

DESIGNED to resist the harsh marine environment. MADE FROM Forged Aluminum and Plastic
THIS HANDLE has easy-grip roller handles and provides comfortable grips
UNIQUE ball bearing system allows fast, free cranking. Lock-in Type
LENGHT is 10 inches (254mm) and Weight is 15 Ounces
BLACK handle with black grip

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this fit into lewmar v700 windlass
Answer:	Honestly I feel it in my thighs and butt. I do feel it a little on my calves if I'm on my toes. Hope this answers your question. It really is worth it though. ☺️

Product features

10" Standard Aluminum Winch Handle (Pair)

This Five Oceans 10” winch handle are extremely light yet strong, they are made of forged aluminum to resist the harsh marine environment. They measure 10"(254mm) and has a ball bearing grip. Utilizes the star socket system to provide a unique way of stowing winch handles. Mounts onto bulkheads or locker lids.

SPECIFICATIONS: