A self-tailing winch is a winch whose drum has a spring-loaded jaw at the top that grips the sheet under constant tension, so it acts as its own cleat and frees both of the sailor's hands to crank the handle. That makes it the standard choice for short-handed cruising and racing, and the right model depends mainly on boat size, load, and which brand's service and spares are easiest to reach where you sail.
Self-tailing winch brands at a glance
| Brand | Origin | Best suited for | Signature strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andersen | Denmark | Catamaran & premium cruisers | All-stainless build; light, durable, best-looking |
| Antal | Italy | Racing boats under 30 ft LOA | Handle-free one-speed models; light and affordable |
| Harken | USA | Cruise-racing, small to midrange boats | Easy, cheap spares in the US; strong grip and support |
| Lewmar | UK | Coastal to offshore cruisers | Easy assembly/service; durable EVO series |
What is a self-tailing winch and how does it work?
The jaws on top of the drum hold the line and keep it under constant tension, acting as a cleat so the crew can put both hands on the handle and apply more force. This is what makes them ideal for solo and short-handed sailing. Bodies come in several materials — carbon, stainless steel, anodized aluminum, or bronze — and in one, two, or three speeds, which is tied directly to the winch's power ratio.
What are the pros and cons of self-tailing winches?
On the plus side, a self-tailer frees both hands for cranking and holds the line in place, a real benefit for cruising and racing alike. The trade-offs: it can encourage a lazy trimmer, and once the sheet is seated in the tailer with the handle in place, unwinding that last wrap for a quick adjustment can be awkward and time-consuming — many a winch handle has gone overboard during that move.
Which self-tailing winch brand should I choose?
Andersen builds its high-end winches mainly in stainless steel, making them the most visually impressive units worldwide; stainless lasts longer than aluminum, so if you have the budget and value looks and durability over outright performance — typical of catamaran cruisers — Andersen is the pick.
Antal brings years of small-boat performance experience, specializing in one-speed compact winches that don't even need a handle. They are less expensive and easy to maintain; we recommend them for racing sailors on boats under 30 ft LOA thanks to their resistance, light weight, and competitive price.
Harken is one of the most trusted names in sailing, strong on small and midrange boats for its excellent drum grip across rope types and easy installation and maintenance, backed by extensive guides. Its jaws suit many rope sizes but are more abrasive than some brands. As a US brand, spares are extremely easy and cheap to source stateside, and while its self-tailers price above average, the warranty makes it a solid long-term investment for cruise-racers.
Lewmar is regarded as the world leader in winches and is favored by cruisers for how easily it assembles and disassembles — ideal for owners who rig their boats themselves. Its extended warranty suits offshore use, and the EVO series replaced the older Ocean models with more durable, higher-performing components. Spares are easy to find, though parts sometimes ship from the UK, so allow lead time if you are in a hurry.
Frequently asked questions
What does a self-tailing winch actually do?
Its top jaws grip the sheet under tension and act as a cleat, so the line stays put while both of your hands work the handle. That is what makes it suited to solo and short-handed sailing.
What materials and speeds are available?
Winch bodies come in carbon, stainless steel, anodized aluminum, or bronze, and in one, two, or three speeds. More speeds and a higher power ratio give more mechanical advantage for heavier loads.
Which brand is best for a boat under 30 feet?
Antal's light, affordable one-speed winches are well matched to racing boats under 30 ft LOA. Harken is also a strong choice for small and midrange boats.
Which winch is easiest to service myself?
Lewmar is known for easy assembly and disassembly, making it a favorite of owners who service their own gear, while Harken offers extensive guides and manuals for every size.
Where are spares easiest to get in the US?
Harken is a US brand, so its spares are extremely easy and inexpensive to source stateside. Lewmar parts are widely available too but may occasionally ship from the UK.
Are stainless-steel winches worth the extra cost?
Stainless steel is longer-lasting than aluminum and looks the part, which is why Andersen's all-stainless winches appeal to cruisers who prioritize durability and appearance over outright performance.
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