Ronstan Orbit Winches are a range of lightweight aluminum self-tailing winches for boats up to roughly 40 ft. (12 m), built on Andersen's proven gearing and featuring the patented QuickTrim self-tailer for instant, handle-free sail-trim adjustments. Developed over years of design refinement and on-the-water testing across Australia and Europe, the Orbit line pairs machined alloy drums with tool-free servicing to deliver strong line grip, low weight, and easy maintenance.
Ronstan Orbit Winches at a glance
| Model | Type | Max Pulling Load | Line Size | Weight | QuickTrim |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orbit 20ST (RA6201) | 1-Speed self-tailing | 1,213 lb. (550 kg) | 6 - 10 mm | 3.75 lb. (1.70 kg) | No |
| Orbit 30QT (RA6302) | 2-Speed self-tailing | 1,543 lb. (700 kg) | 7 - 12 mm | 6.83 lb. (3.10 kg) | User-enabled |
| Orbit 40QT (RA6402) | 2-Speed self-tailing | 1,874 lb. (850 kg) | 7 - 12 mm | 6.83 lb. (3.10 kg) | User-enabled |
What are Ronstan Orbit Winches?
Ronstan built the Orbit range of aluminum winches drawing on its experience manufacturing Andersen stainless steel winches, carrying over high standards for reliability, efficiency, and user satisfaction. Development targeted specific priorities: material selection, weight optimization, dimensions, gear and power ratios, manufacturing processes, surface finish, and performance.
The project initially focused on three sizes designed for boats up to approximately 40 ft. (12 m), a segment where Ronstan offers a comprehensive and competitive deck-hardware range. Prototypes went through multiple rounds of design refinement and testing, followed by on-the-water testing in various locations across Australia and Europe before tooling and manufacturing were finalized.
How does the QuickTrim self-tailer work?
QuickTrim is a patented feature that lets sailors adjust line tension for small trim changes without removing the winch handle or releasing the line from the self-tailer. With one hand on the sheet, rotating the top cover counterclockwise against spring pressure allows the self-tailer to rotate like a sheave and ease the rope out; releasing the cover locks the self-tailer to grip the line again. This gives racing sailors instant response to subtle shifts in wind or steering, and it is equally convenient for cruisers making frequent sheet or halyard adjustments.
The Orbit 30QT and 40QT ship from the factory as traditional two-speed self-tailing winches. The QuickTrim function is enabled by the user by removing a single screw located within the self-tailer, with step-by-step instructions provided in the Quick Reference Guide and Product Manual on each product's Knowledge Base tab.
What are Power Ribs and why do they matter?
Inspired by the drum design of Andersen winches, Orbit winches feature Power Ribs machined into their precision drums for exceptional line control, providing a secure grip while minimizing rope wear. The strong gripping action means fewer wraps are needed around the drum, reducing load on the self-tailer and helping the line feed smoothly upward to prevent overrides.
The drum's non-abrasive machined surface extends the lifespan of running rigging and allows controlled line easing even under high loads. Because the drums are machined from aluminum rather than cast, they are both stronger and lighter than traditional cast-aluminum drums.
How do you service an Orbit winch?
Orbit winches disassemble and reassemble without any tools. To remove the drum, pull back the spring-loaded release latch and rotate it slightly anti-clockwise, lift the self-tailing arm off the winch, then slide the drum off the center stem. Reassembly reverses the steps; an audible click confirms the self-tailing arm has engaged the bayonet notches on the center stem.
Those notches let the self-tailing arm lock into one of 8 positions, each separated by a 45-degree increment, so the line entry can be oriented to suit the boat's lead. Internally, ball bearings carry thrust loads while roller bearings carry the drum's radial loads to minimize rotational friction, and grade 316 stainless steel shafts and pawls handle the working stresses.
Which Orbit winch should I choose?
The Orbit 20ST is a single-speed self-tailing winch rated to 1,213 lb. (550 kg) for smaller lines from 6-10 mm, ideal for dinghies and small keelboats. The 30QT and 40QT are two-speed winches rated to 1,543 lb. (700 kg) and 1,874 lb. (850 kg) respectively, handle 7-12 mm line, and can have QuickTrim enabled — making them the pick for performance cruisers and racers on boats up to about 40 ft. Match the winch to your highest expected sheet or halyard load and the diameter of your running rigging.
Frequently asked questions
What boats are Ronstan Orbit Winches designed for?
The Orbit range was designed for boats up to approximately 40 ft. (12 m), spanning single-speed and two-speed self-tailing models.
Which Orbit models have QuickTrim?
The Orbit 30QT and 40QT support QuickTrim. They arrive as standard two-speed self-tailing winches, and the feature is enabled by removing a single screw inside the self-tailer.
Do Orbit winches need tools for servicing?
No. The drum, self-tailing arm, and center stem separate by hand using a spring-loaded release latch, so no tools are required for configuration or servicing.
What line sizes do Orbit winches accept?
The 20ST accepts 6-10 mm line, while the 30QT and 40QT accept 7-12 mm line through their sprung self-tailing jaws.
What makes Orbit drums different?
Orbit drums are machined from aluminum rather than cast, making them stronger and lighter, and feature Power Ribs for a secure grip that reduces rope wear and the number of wraps needed.
Are Orbit winches related to Andersen winches?
Yes. Ronstan applied its experience building Andersen stainless steel winches to the Orbit line, including proven Andersen gearing configuration and Power Rib-style drum grip.