Ilv2sl wrote:

The reason I want to replace the reel winch with a winch for line, is to be
able to raise the main faster, and being able to lower it easier, rather than
letting go the brake. Also, not having to worry about the winch handle breaking
a wrist, if someone leaves it in and releases the brake, or the brake fails.

My question should have been, Has anyone with a 1sp. main halyard winch, found
they would like to have a 2sp winch. Just refering to mailsail luff tensioning,
not hoisting aloft, etc.
I have both a Barient 16 ss 1sp. winch, and a Lewmar 16 chrome 2sp, and have to
decide which one to install, and which to sell. The Barient is in excellent
condition, and the Lwemar is new.
So, do any of you 1sp. users feel a 2 sp. would be the way to go?
Thanks


If one of the companies is out of business, I'd keep the other. We have
old Barlow winches that we can still get parts for, but I worry about
when/if I run out of what I have in the "junk box". (I think I replaced
one pawl in 10 years.)

I don't know Barient, but Lewmar seems to be a going concern, so with
what little I know, I'd go for the Lewmar. That it's 2 speed is a plus,
though that's hardly needed for a 16.

One thing about halyard winches: Since they're mounted on the mast, you
can put your full weight into cranking.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/