In order to sail in 26 I am going to need some help at least until I get a new shoulder. In considering the usual offerings I came across https://powerwincher.com
This is made in Australia, been on the market since about 2022.
I like it because it uses a Milwaulkee battery.
Does anyone have any experience with this product?
Mike Jennings.
NS30C Chancy. Port Moody, BC.
Not me, but it sure does look good. Way less expensive than a power winch and seemingly “marinized”. Way more expensive than a Milwaukee Hole Hog, but seemingly “marinized”.
You should research Winchrite that I have used very happily for several years. Richard Templeton Swell 26U Annapolis MD
The Winchrite handle is on sale for $849 at Sailrite. WinchRite® ABT by Sailology Cordless Winch Handle - Sailrite They have 10 in stock.
If you are concerned with raising the sail, I suggest you go to a Tides sail track for easy lifting and dead easy dropping. Manually from cockpit on the OEM winch. Cheaper than any electric winch solution and way safer and more manageable. For your main sheet winch, a 2 speed manual winch is faster and safer than an electric winch or electric winch assist. If your sheet winch is not working well you can service (preferable and easy) it or replace it if it’s shot. I have a right angle Milwaukee drill with winch bit and used it in the Nonsuch 26 but it was a pain in the ass to hold in use, store, charge etc. It’s now back in my shop for other purposes like woodworking projects and I’m careful so as not to break my wrist or lose it overboard. Happy to discuss. There are many options, but keeping it simple is my program in 8th decade for single handing. A winch assist or drill presents a plethora of risks and complexity. And expense.
Chancy has a Tides track. I reluctantly decided that I needed help because of a shoulder injury. Of the electric winch handles available I like the Powerwincher but it doesn’t have a long track record. I just pulled the trigger, it was shipped today a couple of hours after I ordered it. They were very helpful and easy to deal with. I will report back when I receive it.
I am on the list to have the shoulder joint replaced either when the pain drives me nuts or failing that, next October so I can be fully fit for 2027. Hopefully we won’t miss any sailing.
Mike Jennings.
NS005C Chancy.
Port Moody, BC.
I have a buddy that uses a winch bit with an angle grinder, and he seems happy with that. Nice thing is, angle grinders are useful after your shoulder heals up.
The Powerwincher got a (mostly) very positive review a few years ago on the British website Practical Boat Owner. I exchanged some email with the company owner and came very close to buying one. I was very impressed with their responsiveness, and the description of the product made it sound like a very nice middle ground between the E-Wincher and the WinchRite. The price is in between, the convenience of the shape is in between, and the robustness of the construction seemed to be in between.
The one knock on it in the review was that, at least at the time, any necessary repairs required shipping it back to Australia at owner’s expense. That was the major factor that made me decide to fork out for the EWincher.
I’m really interested to hear what you think of it both on initial use and after a year or two, Mike. There’s a really good review of the alternatives in the Winter 2023 INA Update (note: this link will only work for INA members who can sign in to the website). I hope you’ll be willing to do a review of the Powerwincher for both this group and the Update, at some point in time.
I feel your pain. Literally. That’s why I bought mine. That injury eventually cleared up, by which I mean it made way for the next injury. So, I have yet to regret my purchase and doubt that you’ll ever regret yours.
– Bob