Why should I equip my boat with electric winches?
Electric winches make it possible to sail bigger boats shorthanded. Crew can perform any task onboard, regardless of their strength, size, or physical condition. With the push of a button, crew can sheet the jib in high winds and execute other heavily-loaded tasks. Jobs such as trimming the mainsail are effortless. When conditions get rough, trimming by push button often allows you to keep sailing instead of motoring.
Do all electric winches have two speeds?
Harken electric winches are 2-speed in both manual and electric modes, while some manufacturers' electric winches are 2-speed in manual mode, but only one speed in electric. The ability to choose a winch operating speed is always an advantage. For example, in light air you can sheet the genoa with the fast first gear and fine-tune in second.
For fast line speeds, winches size 60 and up can be special-ordered with three speeds.
How do I switch gears?
You can press one of two switch buttons for the desired speed.
What systems should I power?
Electric winch systems commonly trim the genoa sheets and the main halyard. In many cases, it's possible to lead the main halyard back to a powered primary winch. In addition, electric winches can furl mainsails, raise the anchor, or help dock the boat.
How do I size electric winches?
Always size electric winches for the highest load. For example, if you use the winch for both the halyard and genoa sheet, size the winch for the load of the genoa sheet. See Ordering Winches.
Can I use a winch handle to manually operate my electric winch?
Yes. Inserting the winch handle into an unloaded winch automatically disconnects the electric motor and allows you to use the first and second speeds just like a manual winch. This is important if you've lost power on the boat. If power is restored, the lockout prevents the winch handle from turning.
Switches are also available with guard covers to prevent accidental starts.
Is there a racing disconnect for powered Radial® winches?
No. Permanent racing disconnect rods are not available for Radials at this time. However, all Harken electric winches automatically disconnect the motor when a handle is inserted. The main difference is the handle disconnect is easier to release. The only thing to be careful of is that the winch handle is properly locked so the pin doesn't push the handle out of the socket.
What is the best location for a single electric winch?
Harken winch motors are small and come in horizontal or vertical configurations to fit a variety of spaces. Cabin top-mounted winches are great for halyards. Smaller boats may find there is more room for the motor and gearbox in the primary position. Lead halyards to these winches by running them to a snatch block mounted near the gunwale and then to the winch.
I'd like to mount an electric winch on the cabin top, but it limits space below. Any suggestions?
Yes. The Harken UniPower™ 900 single-speed electric winch has a motor that is partially embedded inside the drum and extends only 105 mm (4-1/8") below the base. This gives crew more head room as well as space to move around.
How many speeds does the UniPower have?
The UniPower is a single-speed winch that combines the advantages of a low-profile manual winch with the power of a 12-volt or 24-volt, low-amp-draw motor. It has a maximum pull of 900 kg (1984 lb) Harken's WLC200R load controller keeps the winch from exceeding this limit. In case the boat loses power, the winch can be operated manually using a winch handle.
What's the UniPower's line speed?
Line speed under no load is 25 m/min (82 ft/min).
What's the difference between a standard electric winch and the Rewind™ electric winch?
The Rewind™ works like a standard Harken 2-speed winch, but engage the rewind function and you can trim in both directions. This means you don't have to sit on the low side to trim. Instead a set of buttons installed on the high side or at the helm lets you trim in or trim out without going to the winch and unwrapping the sheet.
For more information see the complete Rewind Electric Winch Q&A.
Can I tie my boat off to the dock using the self tailer?
This is a very bad idea. Wind, tide, currents, and waves from powerboats constantly vary the loads on the self tailer and it could bend. Instead use spring lines to prevent fore and aft motion, and long bow and stern lines to prevent the boat swinging in and out.It also helps to attach dock lines to cleats or pilings that are at the same level as the cleats on the boat at mid tide.
Is it easy to convert my manual winch to electric?
Manual Radial® winches easily convert to electric or hydraulic power. They don't require an adapter plate, and the identical stud pattern means you don't have to fill old holes and drill new ones. To convert older style manual winches to power, please contact Harken.
How to I find the serial number on my Radial winch?
The serial number should be apparent when you take off the drum. It is on the drum support, just below the lower red roller-bearing cage.
Do all winches have part numbers?
No, only the Radial and Performa™ lines, which includes the electric, hydraulic, UniPower, and Rewind models.
Why is the drum narrower at the bottom?
This shape combined with the surface grip keeps the line low on the drum, providing efficient and trouble-free operation.
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