Electric Winch Handles

[Captain Ketamine]

I know it will have been asked before. I know there are a few purpose built out there. I’ve seen reports of DIY using standard cordless and right angle drills. I was thinking of using something with more torque such as an impact driver for wheel nuts. I currently use An 18v system. I note Milwaukee have 12, 18 and 24 v right angle systems for drills.

any thoughts?

 

[mgs]

I know of a couple boatyards that have this unit: http://www.winchbit.com

Used one once, yeah it got the job done, but I wouldn’t want to use it regularly. 

 

[silent bob]

 

[Irrational 14]

They make a bigger splash when dropped overboard.

 

[221J]

Your impact driver can pull the rig down in 10 angstrom increments.  A burly non-impact driver is a safer bet.  You still need to push against the handle too.  Electric winches are getting more common for a reason.

 

[Blitz]

I would think the impact function would not be kind to a winch.

 

[hobie17li]

I have used a large Milwaukee right angle drill on a
Friends Saber 42 for main halyard. Worked well had to
Do last few feet by hand . Some of these drills are two speed, you want low speed. And I wondered about using
Winch's low speed which would necessitate putting drill in reverse. And not loosening the chuck?

 

[smj]

We use the Milwaukee 28v right angle drill for raising the main on our 40’ catamaran. Works great and takes a load of my back.

 

[Floridarigger]

If you're looking for something a little (lot) more sophisticated, powerful, ergonomically designed, waterproof, locks into winch handle, has real data via bluetooth in terms of loading and battery life, can be cranked like a manual winch handle, or you can crank WHILE it's cranking for extra speed - paying the premium for an Ewincher might be worth it. https://theyachtrigger.com/ewincher/

 

[penumbra]

+1 on the Milwaukee or similar. You want a very low RPM, high torque, right angle drill. The epitome is the Milwaukee Hole Hawg, which is an AC unit. I have the Dewalt version (AC) - bought on ebay for $100. I got it for the rare occasions of sending someone up. Usually it's a buddy who lost a halyard and I can be lazy instead of grinding, when a full crew isn't there to jump them up.

I have used the Milwaukee 28v several times on an IMX 45 to send people aloft. I wouldn't bother for hoisting a main, but it's invaluable for getting someone up.

Beware the bit - there are a few options out there but only one is strong enough to handle the torque. I seem to recall it being like $50, but maybe it was more.

 

[Captain Ketamine]

So I would love to use the winchrite at $1200 or ewincher at $3400 in Oz. But have gone for a Milwaukee skin wrench which is significantly cheaper and fits in with other tools I have. 18V system 500Nm max, but just over 100Nm at its lowest setting it’s equivalent to the 28 volt Milwaukee right angle drill. Which isn’t available anymore, not here anyway. So enough torque when used very gently. Smaller and lighter than the 28v system. The star winch bit is from Harken inserted into a standard 1/2” drive socket (with polyeurethane glue to stop it dropping out which also has some element of flexibility). A waterproof bag and it’s seems to do the job. I’m certainly mindful of overwhelming the rig. And will obviously need to ensure all bearings run freely. Hopefully no tears before bedtime….

 

[Captain Ketamine]

Here are a couple of photos, MK 1 pat. Pending, old farts little helper ( hopefully not mast buggering up device ). The “waterproof “ bag is a work in progress. I think I’ll practice on someone else’s yacht…

 

[JimL]

Hi All,
Went berserk and bought this. Works great so far, as its usually SO and I and couple more.
Great for raising sails and centerboard.

Powerwincher | Electric Winch Handle

The Powerwincher electric winch handle will improve your sailing experience by making sailing easier and more enjoyable for all sailors no matter how experienced they are.

www.powerwincher.com.au

Cheers,
Jim

 

[Captain Ketamine]

Looks good. I’ll be interested in how it lasts. Having the Milwaukee battery for power is. Great idea.

 

[Charsel]

Just got a Ryobi 18v 1/2" and Harken Winch bit. Drill has 515 in/lbs. torque to use on main/jib for C&C 30mkII. Saw vid from a C&C115 raising the main, so should work for me. Also going to use for roller furling jib. As I get old, saves wear & tear on shoulders, back and arms.