Efficient Sail Handling: Choosing the Right Winch
Efficient sail handling begins with selecting the correct winch. To help you choose from the available options, the chart below provides a quick reference by matching application, yacht size, and winch. Cross-reference your yacht size (for masthead rigs) or sail area (for fractional rigs) with the application to determine the appropriate winch. For personalized recommendations, you can also send your deck and sail plans to your Lewmar representative.
Important Considerations:
- Runner and Mainsheet Winches: Selection depends on the purchase system fitted and the expected loads. Dynamic sail loads can significantly increase under certain conditions.
- Multihulls: These generally have a higher righting moment than monohulls of equivalent lengths, resulting in higher dynamic loading. Therefore, larger winch sizes are required. Consult your Lewmar representative or rigger for guidance.
Winch Size Chart
| Winch Size | Sheet | Halyard | Topping Lift/Foreguy | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boat Length Overall | ft2 | m2 | ft2 | m2 | ft2 | m2 |
| 6.1 - 7.6m (20 - 25ft) | 200 | 19 | 300 | 28 | 120 | 11 |
| 7.6 - 8.8m (25 - 29ft) | 300 | 28 | 400 | 37 | 150 | 14 |
| 8.8 - 10.1m (29 - 33ft) | 350 | 33 | 600 | 56 | 180 | 17 |
| 10.1 - 10.7m (33 - 35ft) | 470 | 44 | 800 | 74 | 210 | 20 |
| 10.7 - 11.3m (35 - 37ft) | 550 | 51 | 1000 | 93 | 230 | 21 |
| 11.3 - 11.9m (37 - 39ft) | 600 | 56 | 1200 | 111 | 260 | 24 |
| 11.9 - 12.5m (39 - 41ft) | 750 | 70 | 1400 | 130 | 300 | 28 |
| 12.8 - 14.6m (42 - 48ft) | 900 | 84 | 1600 | 149 | 350 | 33 |
| 14.6 - 16.8m (48 - 55ft) | 1500 | 139 | 3000 | 279 | 750 | 70 |
| 16.8 - 18.9m (55 - 62ft) | 1900 | 177 | 3800 | 353 | 875 | 81 |
| 18.9 - 21.6m (62 - 71ft) | 2300 | 214 | 4600 | 427 | 1000 | 93 |