Yes — you can convert almost any existing sailboat winch to electric with a brand-matched conversion kit, at a fraction of the cost of a full replacement and without drilling new mounting holes. Conversion kits from Andersen, Antal, Harken, Lewmar, Ronstan, and Selden add motorized power to your current winch base, giving shorthanded crews single-handed control of headsails, spinnakers, and halyards.
Electric winch conversion kits at a glance
| Decision | Options | Choose this when… |
|---|---|---|
| Kit brand | Andersen, Antal, Harken, Lewmar, Ronstan, Selden | Always match the kit to your existing winch brand — kits are not interchangeable |
| Voltage | 12V / 24V | 12V up to ~44 ft / size 40 winches; 24V for size 50+, existing 24V systems, or wire runs over 15 ft |
| Motor placement | Above deck / Below deck | Above deck = fast install, no drilling; below deck = clean cockpit, zero windage |
| Speed control | Single-speed / Variable-speed | Single-speed for simple cruising; variable-speed for precision trim and reduced shock loads |
Can I convert my existing winch to electric?
In most cases, 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 — so you keep your deck layout with no new mounting holes and no gelcoat work. Match the kit part number to the winch model number stamped on your winch base.
How do I choose the right conversion kit?
Start by matching the kit to your winch brand — the internal drive shaft, gear ratio, and mounting geometry differ between manufacturers, so Andersen kits fit only Andersen winches, Harken only Harken, and so on. Next choose voltage: 12V suits boats up to roughly 44 feet on a single house bank with wire runs under 15 feet, while 24V is used for size 50 and larger winches, boats already running 24V auxiliaries (bow thruster, electric furler), or any run over 15 feet, because 24V halves the current draw at the same output. Finally, decide on motor placement and speed control based on how you sail.
Above deck vs below deck: which motor placement is better?
Above-deck motors bolt onto the winch cap with no through-deck penetration, install in under 90 minutes with basic tools, and add roughly 4–8 inches of vertical clearance. Below-deck motors route a drive shaft through the deck via a watertight gland, keeping the cockpit profile identical to the manual winch — the preferred choice for racing (zero added windage) and boats with low bimini clearance. Andersen, Antal, Lewmar, and Harken all offer both configurations depending on winch size.
Which brand should I choose?
Andersen offers the easiest DIY install — an above-deck modular design covering sizes 28ST–68ST in 12V and 24V, with variable-speed from 40ST up. Antal uses brushless motors (no carbon brushes to fail), ideal for bluewater passages, and is factory-standard on many Italian-built boats. Harken favors below-deck placement and IP67-sealed components for racing and performance cruising, with variable-speed on B40 and larger. Lewmar is the production-cruiser default — Catalina, Hunter, Jeanneau, Beneteau, and Hanse ship it as standard — with EVO and Ocean kits from EVO 30 to EVO 65 and a global service network. Ronstan minimizes topside weight for club racing and weight-conscious performance cruisers. Selden integrates directly with Selden mast and deck hardware on European production builds like Bavaria, X-Yachts, and Dehler.
What electrical work does a conversion require?
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 roughly 3–5 hours for a complete DIY installation including wiring, or less for an above-deck kit.
Frequently asked questions
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 all differ. A mismatched kit will not fit and could strip the gear train, so always match brand to brand.
Do I need 12V or 24V?
Use 12V for winches size 40 and under on boats up to 44 ft with a 12V system. Use 24V for size 50 and above, boats already running 24V auxiliaries, or wire runs over 15 feet. Some brands (Lewmar EVO 55+, Harken B50+) are 24V-only at larger sizes.
How long does installation take?
Andersen above-deck kits install in under 90 minutes with no through-deck work. Below-deck systems like Harken's take longer because of the deck-gland penetration but leave the cleanest cockpit profile.
What size winch can be converted?
Generally size 28 and larger. Conversion kits cover the full popular range — Andersen from 28ST to 68ST, Lewmar from EVO 30 to EVO 65 — with 12V and 24V options across most sizes.
Do you offer installation support?
Yes. Our rigging team provides installation guidance by phone or email for all brands, and we maintain installation partners in Annapolis, Newport, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and San Francisco Bay. Contact us before ordering to confirm compatibility.
Which brand is easiest to install?
Andersen above-deck kits are the easiest DIY option, requiring no through-deck work. Lewmar and Antal are also well-documented with clear installation manuals.