DSK wrote:

I have heard a lot of horror stories about Lewmar's service
& support; never been there myself. OTOH I have experience
with Harken's excellent service and consider it a good
investment. Harken gear is more expensive but usually it is
the best in it's class.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King

I have experience with Lewmar winches and with their customer service.
I have one Lewmar 8, two VERRRRRY old Lewmar 16s two speed (which the
customer service told me should be in the Smithsomian) that the current
circlip for the modern 16 does not fit, and two 3 speed Lewmar 44s. I
am currently talking to customer service.

Customer service is excelent, they found a circlip for my ancient winch
and told me where go to get it. I contacted the people they
recommended and found I could get a "sample" since I only needed one.
Customer service is now recommending a spares kit for the 44s.

The winches are bulletproof.