Hi there,

I have a Cavalier 32 and I'm wanting self tailing primary winches, I'm learning so all information welcome. My question is, is a Lewmar 30 self tailing 2 speed big enough as primary winches? I'm tossing up with those or Harken 40, as they are similar prices (So expensive!) I prefer the Lewmar brand as I've had them on a previous Clansman 30.

You might want to consider Hutton (was Arco). They make them in-house in Sydney from scratch including doing the casting.

Disregard the prices on their website which are in US dollars for US customers.

Last year I was quoted $AU1,133 for Hutton 40ST, and they were willing to give me a $AU150 off for trading in an Arco 30, bringing it down to $AU983. Prices may have changed, but it's worth asking them.

Depends on how old you are. I have Harken 40,s on my SS34 and I would not want anything smaller.

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Mando29 said..
Hi there,

I have a Cavalier 32 and I'm wanting self tailing primary winches, I'm learning so all information welcome. My question is, is a Lewmar 30 self tailing 2 speed big enough as primary winches? I'm tossing up with those or Harken 40, as they are similar prices (So expensive!) I prefer the Lewmar brand as I've had them on a previous Clansman 30.

How long have you had the boat? I spent ages looking for self-tailers when I got my boat. Now after 18 months:

a) I wouldn't switch to self-tailers on the primaries now anyway - they're just simpler and heaps better when the boat is 2 or 3 up. Single handed it's nowhere near the top of the priority list.

b) even if I did want them (I accept they'd be great single handed) there are a bunch of things I'd rather spend 2 or 3 or 4 grand on than new winches...

If you're new to the boat and you're still learning keep the money for 6 months until you've clocked up some k's..

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Quixotic said..
You might want to consider Hutton (was Arco). They make them in-house in Sydney from scratch including doing the casting.

Disregard the prices on their website which are in US dollars for US customers.

Last year I was quoted $AU1,133 for Hutton 40ST, and they were willing to give me a $AU150 off for trading in an Arco 30, bringing it down to $AU983. Prices may have changed, but it's worth asking them.

That's great advice, thank you

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JonE said..

Mando29 said..
Hi there,

I have a Cavalier 32 and I'm wanting self tailing primary winches, I'm learning so all information welcome. My question is, is a Lewmar 30 self tailing 2 speed big enough as primary winches? I'm tossing up with those or Harken 40, as they are similar prices (So expensive!) I prefer the Lewmar brand as I've had them on a previous Clansman 30.

How long have you had the boat? I spent ages looking for self-tailers when I got my boat. Now after 18 months:

a) I wouldn't switch to self-tailers on the primaries now anyway - they're just simpler and heaps better when the boat is 2 or 3 up. Single handed it's nowhere near the top of the priority list.

b) even if I did want them (I accept they'd be great single handed) there are a bunch of things I'd rather spend 2 or 3 or 4 grand on than new winches...

If you're new to the boat and you're still learning keep the money for 6 months until you've clocked up some k's..

Hi JonE,

I've had the boat for a year, and just put in a windlass, and new anchor set up not much more to do really, apart from maintenance. I struggle helming and trimming, she's a much bigger rig that my 30 footer.

If you have wheel steering and you sail solo or with non sailors, consider mounting self tailers you can use from behind the wheel. I also moved my traveller forward and raised it to the height of the coaming. Much easier to use from behind the wheel.

I think the pick of all winch brands is Anderson all stainless.
Whitworths has the 40 ST for $1,749 which is a quite competive price.

Another vote for S/T. They might be expensive but they're worth it.
I had 47's on the 40'er and they were a good fit. So 40's sounds like a good spot.
Bonus, you can upgrade some winches from size 40 to electric when you win the lotto!

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Ramona said..
If you have wheel steering and you sail solo or with non sailors, consider mounting self tailers you can use from behind the wheel. I also moved my traveller forward and raised it to the height of the coaming. Much easier to use from behind the wheel.

Fantastic advice, thanks Ramona

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Mando29 said..
Hi there,

I have a Cavalier 32 and I'm wanting self tailing primary winches, I'm learning so all information welcome. My question is, is a Lewmar 30 self tailing 2 speed big enough as primary winches? I'm tossing up with those or Harken 40, as they are similar prices (So expensive!) I prefer the Lewmar brand as I've had them on a previous Clansman 30.

Join the cavalier 32 / 375 Facebook group and ask what size everyone has.

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Quixotic said..
You might want to consider Hutton (was Arco). They make them in-house in Sydney from scratch including doing the casting.

Disregard the prices on their website which are in US dollars for US customers.

Last year I was quoted $AU1,133 for Hutton 40ST, and they were willing to give me a $AU150 off for trading in an Arco 30, bringing it down to $AU983. Prices may have changed, but it's worth asking them.

Allan is a great guy and gives great customer service. I had a part missing from one of my self tailers. He helped me identify the part and posted it to me without charging for the part or postage. He said it was more important to get me back on the water. This sort of service is almost unheard of these days.