Sale of Manual Winches

Winches on yachts and boats are used not only for controlling the sails and lowering/raising the anchor. There are winches (similar to car winches) that provide convenience and safety to the owner or hired skipper when towing a boat and boat trolley, as well as when lifting and launching a yacht.

The purpose of such a winch is to move the load horizontally, as opposed to a hoist, which moves the load vertically.

Winches for transporting yachts are divided into several types depending on the type of drive.

Manual winches. This is the simplest and most inexpensive type of winch, which operates on the basis of human physical strength. They are lightweight, portable and usually equipped with a steel cable or special tape. The maximum lifting capacity of hand winches can exceed 1000 kg.

You are now on the topRik marketplace page, where this particular type of winch for transporting boats is offered in stock. Below we will look in more detail at their features, advantages and principles of choice for your yacht.

Electric winches. They operate from an electrical power source and have the advantage of automating the process. They are equipped with a powerful electric motor and remote control. The lifting capacity of electric winches can be from 1000 kg to several tons.

Hydraulic winches. Used for lifting and lowering heavy loads. They operate on a hydraulic system using oil or air. Hydraulic winches are suitable for large vessels and have high lifting capacity and lifting speed.

Vertical winches. Designed for installation in a parking lot or pier. They have a vertical design and provide straight-line lifting force. They can be manual or electric and are suitable for small to medium sized boats.

Features of Manual Winches

Characteristics of mechanical manual winches may include:

• lifting capacity (ATTENTION! Loading capacity is not equal to the maximum weight of the boat);
• length and type of cable;
• ascent speed;
• type of installation (on deck, in hold, etc.);
• type of control, etc.

Very often, such winches are installed on boat trailers: a special bracket is installed on the drawbar of the trailer, on which the winch is already mounted, next to it is a heel roller, and the location of the winch and heel roller can be adjusted to the size of the boat.

First of all, you need to decide on the size and lifting capacity of the winch. Of course, the larger the boat, the more powerful winch is required. Follow the manufacturer's information, taking into account that the load capacity indicator is the possible load on a given model - the weight of the load that it can lift if it is hung vertically. The topRik marketplace offers models with a carrying capacity from 545 kg to over 1000 kg.

There are winches with an empty drum, and there are those already equipped with a steel cable. It is absolutely logical to purchase it immediately in a complete set. Now, if you buy a winch with an empty drum, it is again wise to purchase a sling tape with a hook in a set plus slings.

Not all manual models are equipped with a cable or tape. This is logical, since manufacturers offer to choose equipment according to the needs of the boat owner and the tasks he sets. Therefore, you can choose both the material and the length of the cable or tape - the topRik marketplace offers various options for that.

Most people who transport and hitch boats on a trailer use a sling, and a winch with a steel cable is better suited if you install it permanently in a boat garage, for example, and will winch the boat directly into the garage. In this case, the cable is much more convenient.

If the cable is included, it is already secured with a bracket, and there is a metal hook at the end of the cable.

How to Install Sling Tape

The kit includes a locking bolt and self-locking nuts: you need to thread the bolt and secure it with a nut. Please note that there are several different holes on the winch drum, some of them are located closer to the winch axis, some further away. If you install the bolt closer to the axis of the winch, its power will increase slightly. Accordingly, if you install it further away, the winch will work faster due to its larger diameter, but it will be a little more difficult to turn.

How to Choose a Manual Winch

Once you have decided on the type of winch, pay attention to its characteristics - at least the main ones, because they are no less important than the type of winch.

Load Capacity

This is the main and key indicator. Honestly, many people look only at this one and often this is enough.

To select a model with a suitable carrying capacity, you have all the data - the weight of your boat without cargo. At the same time, it is advisable to have a reserve in this indicator, since manufacturers may make mistakes in its quantitative indication. Motorists often buy winches with a double reserve (minimum), but they have more unforeseen circumstances, so 30-50% is enough for the boat owner. You shouldn’t force even such a simple and reliable mechanism as a manual drum winch to work to the limit.

Gear Ratio

Relevant just for manual winches with a drum. The higher the gear ratio, the higher the traction, but the lower the speed. And vice versa. Some models have several speeds and allow you to change this indicator.

Rope Length

This parameter indicates the maximum length of cable that can be wound on the drum. Again, you should look based on your needs; in most cases, 8-10 meters is enough, but sometimes more is required. It is also worth considering that there are winches that are designed not for cables, but for tape. These varieties may be more convenient in certain situations. Also keep in mind that the length of the cable also depends on its cross-section. The larger the cross-section, the shorter the cable will be.

These are the main parameters that should be considered when choosing a winch. Of course, you need to look at other points, but most often they are directly dependent on the characteristics mentioned above. For example, if a winch with a large load capacity and a long cable is required, then it simply cannot be light and compact.

Double Reduction Winches

These winches can operate at two speeds. In addition to the main shaft, which is rotated by a handle, and the shaft on which the winch drum sits, there is an additional intermediate shaft on which 2 more gears are mounted.

Such a winch can already work with heavier equipment.

Also, powerful winches can have a drum brake function. This is a mechanism that allows you to slow down the winch and, when lowering heavy equipment, allows you to protect equipment from damage and people from injury.

If you have questions when choosing manual winches, as well as components for them, contact our professional experts with many years of yachting practice. All consultations are for free.