We Ship Worldwide! | FREE SHIPPING! for US Continental orders over $145. Click for details.

Harken CLR Mooring Winches Selection Guide

Harken CLR 600 hydraulic mooring winch in aluminum finish

The Harken CLR is a compact, underdeck mooring and docking winch that retracts flush with the deck and comes in six sizes (CLR 600 through CLR 12000) matched to boats from roughly 45 to 300 feet. It delivers the line-holding power of a traditional drum winch while taking up 40% less horizontal and 50% less vertical space, making it a favorite of naval architects working with tight deck plans.

Harken CLR mooring winches at a glance

Model Boat length Max working load Power options
CLR 600 45 – 60 ft 1,320 lb (600 kg) Hydraulic or electric 12 / 24 VDC
CLR 1200 60 – 90 ft 2,640 lb (1,200 kg) Hydraulic or electric 12 / 24 VDC
CLR 2500 90 – 120 ft 5,512 lb (2,500 kg) Hydraulic or electric 24 VDC / 400 VAC
CLR 4000 120 – 190 ft 8,818 lb (4,000 kg) Hydraulic or electric 24 VDC / 400 VAC
CLR 8000 190 – 250 ft 17,636 lb (8,000 kg) Hydraulic or electric
CLR 12000 250 – 300 ft 26,400 lb (12,000 kg) Hydraulic or electric

What is the Harken CLR mooring winch?

The CLR is a powered mooring and docking-assist winch designed for both sailboats and powerboats. It mounts underdeck and retracts completely flush with the deck when not in use, so it disappears into the deck line and stays clear of feet, sheets, and sightlines.

Instead of a conventional drum, the CLR uses a unique geometry built from distinct aluminum columns that rotate together around a center axis. This design produces substantially more line-holding power and low-speed torque than a traditional drum of the same size, while keeping the whole assembly lighter than competing products.

Harken CLR 600 hydraulic mooring winch in aluminum finish
Harken Mooring Winch - CLR 600 / Hydraulic (Aluminum) — the entry model, rated for boats 45 to 60 ft with a 600 kg working load.

How does the CLR save space compared to other winches?

Because it mounts below deck and retracts flush, the CLR occupies about 40% less horizontal footprint and 50% of the vertical space required by similar mooring products on the market. For designers, that means a clean deck plan and more freedom to place the winch where the mooring lines actually lead. Integrated LED lights illuminate the winch for low-light and night mooring situations.

Which power option should I choose — hydraulic or electric?

The CLR is offered in both hydraulic and electric drive. Boats with an existing hydraulic system often integrate the hydraulic CLR directly, while electric models run on 12 VDC, 24 VDC, or 400 VAC depending on size and are simpler to wire on boats without central hydraulics. Larger CLR 2500, 4000, 8000, and 12000 sizes step up to 24 VDC or 400 VAC to move their heavier loads.

Harken CLR 600 electric 24V mooring winch, aluminum, left mount
Harken Mooring Winch - CLR 600 / Electric - 24V (Aluminum) - Left Mount — an electric-drive option specified by voltage and mount side.

What deck-plate finishes are available?

The visible deck plate can be specified in aluminum, stainless steel, or a custom finish so the winch matches the deck aesthetic. The CLR 600 electric weighs approximately 40 lb (18 kg). Teak-topped versions are also available to blend into a traditional deck.

Harken CLR 600 electric 24V mooring winch with teak deck top
Harken Mooring Winch - CLR 600 / Electric - 24V (Teak) - Left Mount — a teak-topped version for boats that need the winch to blend into a wooden deck.

Frequently asked questions

What size Harken CLR winch do I need?

Match the model to boat length: CLR 600 for 45–60 ft, CLR 1200 for 60–90 ft, CLR 2500 for 90–120 ft, CLR 4000 for 120–190 ft, CLR 8000 for 190–250 ft, and CLR 12000 for 250–300 ft. Confirm the working load against your expected mooring and docking line tensions.

Does the CLR really retract flush with the deck?

Yes. The CLR retracts completely so it sits flush with the deck when idle, keeping the deck clear and reducing trip and snag hazards.

Is the CLR for sailboats or powerboats?

Both. It is designed as a mooring and docking-assist winch appropriate for sail and powerboats alike.

How much power does the CLR hold compared to a drum winch?

Its rotating aluminum-column geometry delivers substantially more line-holding power and low-speed torque than a traditional drum design of comparable size, in a lighter package.

What is the maximum working load of the largest CLR?

The CLR 12000 is rated to a maximum working load of 26,400 lb (12,000 kg), suiting yachts from roughly 250 to 300 ft.

Shop all Harken Mooring Winches →

You may also be interested in

Leave a comment

Please note: comments must be approved before they are published.