Has anybody installed an electric halyard winch. If so, what did you use and how difficult was it?
Hi Paul;
I installed a Lewmar (40?) on the STARBOARD cabin top, contrary to general ‘wisdom’.
The cable run is short and direct. The fuse mounts on the instrument cover, behind the access door. The access door makes access easy. I easily use the winch for the topping lift. And…I get to keep the large winch on Port side.
Halyard turning block is attached in the inside position on the mast collar, so the halyard easily crosses to the Starboard side.
Good luck,
Ed Collis,
N30 U
ORION VII
Toronto
Paul,
I installed an electric capstan on the port side. Since I have to self tail the capstan this provides an additional safety feature in case something gets hung up as the sail is raised. Don’t ask me how I know. The cost was significantly less than the cost of an electric self tailing winch. The installation was relatively easy and I still have full use of the original Barient ST winch. I can post photos if you wish.
ron<<
S/V Serenity II
NS U 30 479
Gulfport, FL
My 1989 N26C (with an ULTRA rig) came with a Lewmar 40 electric winch on the
portside. The sail halyard is raised by the Lewmar 40. The CB is in the
starboard locker next to the fuel gauge on a panel (facing forward) above
the batteries. I have two electric buttons: One just forward and slightly
outboard of the winch and the second is between my legs while sitting at the
helm. A couple of major cautions when raising the sail with the Lewmar 40:
1) Keep a close eye on the battens at the leech as the sail goes up thru the
wishbooms, and 2) keep a close eye on the halyard to ensure it does not foul
with the chocker block on the mast.when raising the sail. Regards, Bob
Horne, N26C, 1989, #249, ENCORE.
Hi Paul,
I have been using the Winchrite Cordless Winch Handle for two seasons now, and love it!
As I have three self-tailing winches on my 30 Ultra, and the Winchrite can be used on any of the winches. I have a secondary halyard that runs to my starboard side winch, and if needed I can raise the sail from that winch just as easily as the primary halyard on the port side. It can also do the topping lift on the starboard side.
My son has used the Winchrite to raise me up mast on the Winchrite to do inspections/repairs. No sweat!
For the same cost as a windlass (that's what was mounted just forward of the port side winch and used to help raise the sail) it's a much more versatile tool as it can be used on all self-tailing winches! About $550-600 depending on where you get it.
You just need to remember to re-charge it every 5 or 6 hoists!
Peter Grabow
S/V CAKEWALK III 1987 30U 430
Jersey City, NJ
Very interesting thread. Has anyone installed an electric windlass on
a NS-26 (C or U)?
Jenn and Terry McAdams
Still non-owners, but still looking for a 26U or a 260.
Kearsarge, NH
Mahone Bay, NS