By MAURIPRO Rigging Specialists · Updated March 2026
Upgrade Any Winch to Electric: The Complete Conversion Guide
Converting an existing winch to electric costs a fraction of a full replacement and preserves your deck layout — no new mounting holes, no gelcoat work. MauriPro stocks conversion kits from the six leading winch manufacturers: Andersen, Antal, Harken, Lewmar, Ronstan, and Selden. Each brand engineers its electric kits specifically for its own winch geometry, so fitment is guaranteed when you match the kit to your existing hardware. The result is single-handed control of headsails, spinnakers, and halyards — critical for shorthanded crews, bluewater passages, and anyone looking to reduce physical strain on a long cruise.
How to Choose the Right Conversion Kit
Match the Kit to Your Winch Brand
Electric conversion kits are brand- and model-specific. Andersen kits fit Andersen winches only; Antal kits fit Antal; Harken kits fit Harken; Lewmar kits fit Lewmar; Ronstan kits fit Ronstan; Selden kits fit Selden. The internal drive shaft, gear ratio, and mounting geometry differ between manufacturers. Always match the kit part number to your existing winch model, which is stamped on the winch base. If you are unsure of your winch brand or model, contact our rigging team before ordering.
Voltage: 12V vs 24V
Most conversion kits are available in 12V and 24V configurations. Choose 12V for boats up to approximately 44 feet on a single-bank house system with wire runs under 15 feet. Choose 24V for larger winches (size 50 and above), boats with existing 24V systems (bow thruster, electric furler), or any run exceeding 15 feet — 24V halves the current draw at the same output, reducing wire sizing and heat buildup. Lewmar and Harken systems at larger sizes are 24V-only.
Motor Placement: Above Deck vs Below Deck
Above-deck motors mount on the winch cap with no through-deck penetration — installation in under 90 minutes, no deck drilling. They add 4–8 inches of vertical clearance. Below-deck motors route a drive shaft through the deck, keeping the cockpit profile identical to the manual winch. Preferred for racing (zero windage) and boats with low bimini clearance. Andersen, Antal, Lewmar, and Harken all offer both configurations depending on winch size.
Single-Speed vs Variable-Speed Control
Single-speed motors run at full power — simple, reliable, preferred for cruising and offshore use. Variable-speed (compact) systems allow soft-start and proportional control: ideal for precision sheet trimming, reducing shock loads on running rigging, and crew safety. Available on mid-to-large sizes from Andersen, Harken, and Lewmar.
Brand-by-Brand Overview
Andersen
Choose Andersen if you want the easiest DIY installation on the market. The above-deck modular design bolts directly onto the winch cap with no through-deck penetration — job done in under 90 minutes with basic tools, no gelcoat drilling, no deck glands. Covers sizes 28ST through 68ST in 12V and 24V; variable-speed compact motor from 40ST upward. Best for: cruisers, weekenders, and anyone who wants to self-install without calling a boatyard.
Antal
Choose Antal if long-term reliability is your priority. Antal uses brushless motor technology, eliminating carbon brushes — the most common failure point in conventional motors — for longer service intervals and lower maintenance. That matters enormously on bluewater passages where spare parts aren't available. Antal winches are factory-standard on many Italian-built boats (Beneteau, Jeanneau, Dufour), making the electric kit a true plug-in upgrade. Best for: bluewater cruisers, offshore passagemakers, and anyone spending extended time in remote anchorages.
Harken
Choose Harken if you race or want the cleanest possible deck profile. Below-deck motor placement leaves the cockpit profile identical to the manual version — zero added windage, zero visual clutter. The Harken Performa series is the dominant winch on IRC and ORC race boats globally. IP67-rated sealed components handle relentless spray in racing conditions. Available in 12V and 24V; variable-speed on B40 and larger. Best for: racing sailors, performance cruisers, and anyone where windage and cockpit aesthetics are a competitive factor.
Lewmar
Choose Lewmar if you own a production cruiser — chances are Lewmar winches are already on your boat. Catalina, Hunter, Jeanneau, Beneteau, and Hanse all ship with Lewmar as standard equipment, making the EVO and Ocean electric kits available in more sizes and configurations than any other brand. The global Lewmar service network means warranty support and parts wherever you sail. Below-deck motor with watertight deck gland; available for EVO 30 through EVO 65. Best for: production boat owners and anyone buying a used boat with Lewmar winches already installed.
Ronstan
Choose Ronstan for performance cruising and club racing where every kilogram counts. Ronstan's compact motor design minimizes topside weight — critical for boats where polar performance and rating rule compliance matter. Engineered specifically for the Orbit and Series winch lines, with particular focus on carbon-fibre drum winches used in performance builds. 12V above-deck configuration keeps installation simple. Best for: one-design racers, PHRF sailors, and weight-conscious performance cruiser-racers.
Selden
Choose Selden if your boat came from the factory with a Selden rig. Selden electric winch systems are engineered to integrate directly with the Selden mast control and deck hardware ecosystem — switch controls and electrical connections work as a unified factory system, not an afterthought add-on. The standard on many European production builds (Bavaria, X-Yachts, Dehler) fitted with Selden masts and deck hardware. Above-deck motor placement with a clean factory-fit finish. Best for: owners of European production boats and Selden-rigged custom builds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert my existing winch to electric?
Yes — if your winch is from Andersen, Antal, Harken, Lewmar, Ronstan, or Selden and is size 28 or larger, a direct-fit electric conversion kit almost certainly exists. The kit replaces the top cap and adds the motor drive without touching the base, drum, or gear train. Match the kit part number to your winch model number (stamped on the base).
Can I use a Harken conversion kit on my Lewmar winch?
No. Each brand's kit is engineered exclusively for its own winch. Drive shaft geometry, gear ratios, and mounting interfaces differ between manufacturers. Using a mismatched kit will not fit and could strip the gear train. Always match brand to brand. If you are unsure of your winch make, our rigging team can help with identification from photos.
Do I need 12V or 24V?
For winches size 40 and under on boats up to 44 ft with a 12V system: 12V. For winches size 50 and above, boats already running 24V auxiliaries, or wire runs over 15 feet: 24V. Some brands (Lewmar EVO 55+, Harken B50+) only offer 24V at larger sizes. When in doubt, go 24V — it future-proofs your electrical system.
What electrical work is required?
Plan for a dedicated 80A circuit breaker at the battery, 2 AWG wire from the battery to the motor junction box (upsize to 1/0 AWG for runs over 20 feet), and a waterproof deck switch. Most kits include the motor, junction box, and solenoid. Budget 3–5 hours for a complete DIY installation including wiring.
Which brand is easiest to install?
Andersen above-deck kits require no through-deck work and install in under 90 minutes — the easiest DIY option. Lewmar and Antal are also well-documented with clear installation manuals. Harken below-deck systems take longer due to the deck gland penetration but result in the cleanest cockpit profile.
Do you offer installation support?
Yes. Our rigging team can provide installation guidance by phone or email for all brands. We also maintain a network of installation partners in Annapolis, Newport, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and San Francisco Bay. Contact us before ordering if you need help confirming compatibility or selecting the right kit.
Regional Shipping & Installation Support
We ship Andersen, Antal, Harken, Lewmar, Ronstan, and Selden electric conversion kits worldwide. Most popular sizes are in stock for 2-day delivery to major US sailing hubs including Annapolis, Newport, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and San Francisco Bay. Free US shipping on orders over $99.
Recent Customer Upgrades
Harken B40 12V below-deck kit on a Swan 46 in Newport, RI — racing configuration, zero-windage cockpit profile retained. Lewmar EVO 40 below-deck kit on a J/109 in Chicago, IL — full 12V installation, completed in under 3 hours. Andersen 50ST 24V variable-speed kit on a Jeanneau 49DS in Fort Lauderdale, FL — matched to existing 24V bow thruster system. Antal electric kit on a Dufour 460 in Annapolis, MD — factory Antal winches upgraded with matching electric kit, plug-and-play installation.
Explore Complementary Products
Complete your deck hardware upgrade: Winch Handles · Manual Winches · Rope Clutches · Ask our Rigging Team