Recommended Winch to Raise and Lower Sailboat Mast

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Question:

Im looking for a hand operated brake winch to help raise/lower a sailboat mast. The mast itself is not very heavy awkward instead so the winch need not have a heavy load rating, but probably needs to be one with no minimum load since the weight will be very minimal when the mast is near upright. I see FK6500301 that is 600 lb., no min. load, but has a 1:1 gear ratio. With the 1:1 ratio might that be hard to crank? Id prefer a winch that could hold a strap instead of a cable and have a short handle. Any model suggestions?

asked by: Dave

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

What you are needing is a hand winch that will ratchet in both directions like the Fulton # F142101. This winch has a gear ratio of 4.1:1. This means to get this drum to turn one revolution you would need to crank this handle around 4.1 times. The winch has a 7" handle which makes for easy cranking and it uses a nylon rope or strap like you want.

When raising the sail you can stop at any time while cranking.

When lowering the sail you will want to make sure you keep control of the handle. If you want to stop when lowering the sail you can switch the winch to the take-in mode and allow the handle to come to rest slowly until the gear engages.

For a nylon strap you can use part # FWS200200.

I have linked you to the winch I recommend, as well as to a video and a FAQ article about hand winches that you might find helpful.

helpful expert reply by: Chris O

1

Recommended Winch to Raise and Lower Sailboat Mast

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