Power It Up
THIS IS THE TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR WINCHES, DURING WEST MARINE'S BUY-ONE-GET-ONE-FREE LEWMAR WINCH SALE
I can tell you that sail-handling loads are probably the major determining factor in a sailor’s decision to cross-over to power boating, perhaps even to simply swallow the anchor entirely.
Recently, I watched a couple of my friends reluctantly approach a point of decision as to whether to finally call it quits on sailing. Their boat was not a super-yacht. It wasn’t even a “large” yacht. At most, it would be considered a medium-sized sailing cruiser with a traditional mainsail that comprised a large proportion of her total sail plan.
Except for the physical effort required to raise and tension the large main, they loved the boat, from bow to stern. But they had tired of always having to be on the lookout for crew to help handle her recalcitrant mainsail. And they were on the verge of packing it all in..
Then, some reflective thought and a bit of research brought them to a straightforward solution: install an electric winch to do the really hard work and keep their beloved boat. Problem solved.
Sure, a new winch or winches was not exactly an inexpensive alternative. But it was genuinely economical when compared to the dollar and emotional costs of giving up the boat they loved and, maybe, even sailing itself. And in the end, they were really happy with the outcome.
If their experience hits home, you should consider upgrading by installing electric halyard or a more powerful two-speed, self-tailing manual winches on your main halyard. And while you’re at it, on your primary sheets, as well.
Indeed, now might just be the ideal time to do that — as West Marine is currently running a Buy-One-Get-One-Free sale on Lewmar winches.
Check it out here ⤵️
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