The Harken SnubbAir is a low-profile snubbing winch designed to replace the B8A plain-top winch on the J/70, giving crews reliable line-holding assistance without a traditional self-tailing drum. It bolts directly to the existing B8A pattern, is class-legal for retrofit, and was developed with J/Boats to keep mixed and different-sized crews sailing at a high level.
Harken SnubbAir at a glance
| Spec | SnubbAir (Part 1300) |
|---|---|
| Type | Snubbing winch (line-holding assist) |
| Primary application | J/70 — direct replacement for the B8A plain-top winch |
| Drum diameter | 3.12 in / 79.2 mm |
| Base diameter | 4.48 in / 113.8 mm |
| Height | 2.71 in / 68.8 mm |
| Weight | 17.3 oz / 489 g |
| Fastener circle | 3.57 in / 90.7 mm |
| Fasteners | 4 × M6 integral threaded studs |
| Maximum holding load | 1000 lb / 454 kg |
What is the Harken SnubbAir winch?
The SnubbAir is a modern take on the old-school snubbing winch. Its low profile, wide drum diameter, and large open center give it a distinctive look reminiscent of Harken's Grand Prix Air winches. Rather than tailing and cranking line like a conventional self-tailer, it provides load-holding assistance — letting a trimmer hold and ease sheets under load without the winch itself becoming an obstacle on deck.
Why did Harken build the SnubbAir?
It began as a response to a J/70 deck-layout challenge. The Classic Harken plain-top B8A winch performs well across many boats, but at J/70 events crews were routinely padding or covering the winches to reduce bruising and improve handling. Harken saw an opportunity to improve crew performance and cut down on the wear trimmers endure.
According to Jim Andersen, Harken's US Sales Manager, J/Boats wanted to keep the winches while maintaining the ability for mixed and different-sized crews to sail the boat at a high level — and recognized that some form of load-holding assistance was necessary. That requirement led directly to the SnubbAir.
How does the SnubbAir fit the J/70?
The SnubbAir comes with four integral threaded studs placed to match the bolt pattern of the B8A winch on the J/70 deck. Early experiments indicate that swapping both winches for SnubbAirs takes less than 10 minutes start to finish. All washers and Nylok nuts required for mounting are included.
As called for in the J/70 Class rules, the SnubbAir debuts with the next series of boats produced by J/Boats. It is class-legal for retrofit and available from Harken dealers.
What about the winch handle adapter?
Harken offers a matching Winch Handle Adapter (part 1301) for use with the SnubbAir (1300). It weighs 1.8 oz / 51 g and adapts a standard winch handle for use with the SnubbAir drum.
Frequently asked questions
What boat is the Harken SnubbAir made for?
It was designed for the J/70, where it replaces the B8A plain-top winch using the same four-bolt deck pattern.
Is the SnubbAir class-legal for the J/70?
Yes. It debuts on the next series of J/Boats production boats and is class-legal for retrofit under J/70 Class rules.
How long does it take to install?
Early results indicate swapping out both winches for SnubbAirs takes less than 10 minutes, since the studs match the existing B8A bolt pattern and all mounting hardware is included.
How much load can the SnubbAir hold?
The SnubbAir (part 1300) has a maximum holding load of 1000 lb / 454 kg.
Do I need a special winch handle?
Harken offers a dedicated Winch Handle Adapter (part 1301) designed for use with the SnubbAir.
Is the SnubbAir a self-tailing winch?
No. It is a snubbing winch that provides line-holding assistance rather than the tail-feeding action of a self-tailing winch.
Shop all Harken Winches - Snubbers →
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Product details adapted from a Harken press release.