The torque required is function of the friction, not the weight of the sail.
You may find it more cost effective to make the sail track friction free - a
"Strong" system, for instance, would make raising and lowering much easier.
Even if you still wanted an electric winch, it could be minimal size. However,
I think you'd find that any winch that could handle the jib sheet is more than
adequate for a main halyard.

http://www.tidesmarine.com/sail-track.html



"dowra" wrote in message
om...
"Jonathan Ganz" wrote in message
...
A winch? Hmmm... sounds like something is binding.

"dowra" wrote in message
om...
Does anyone have any idea of the amount of torque(in ft or inches) to
raise the main on a 26' boat. using the winches of course.

I am handicapped, need help for last 5 feet or so.