winches?

[Wis]

Getting time to prepare

Just a few questions ;D

What winches are you using? (I mean maker) and why do you use XXXX (maker) winch?

So far, I found the Futaba and the Hitec ...I know there are some other makers (Guyatt, but the $$$ is a too much)...
Futaba S5801 Servo Sail Winch = 140USD
Hitec HS-725BBJ Servo Sail Winch J = 48USD
(from Tower)....Ordering overhere (Japan), the Futaba is even more $$$ and I cant get the Hitec directly from a shop here!
So, i need to order them both anyway...

Any suggestions?

Thanks


Wis

[MultiFast Is MultiFun]

Hi Wis -

I'm using a HiTec 815BB arm winch for the MultiONE and the arm will be located above the deck - not inside/below. I prefer to have exposed sheeting, and while it "may" snag, the ability to change and adjust is so much easier than a small hole through the deck. Also having the sheeting below deck, if a rubberband tension breaks, a line comes off a block, or other "disaster", it can't always be reached if internal.

The winch arm is too long to keep inside the main hull, so rather than worrying about it, I will have it swing above deck, and probably as a 2:1 sheeting ratio.

The cost wasn't terrible, I have room inside for what is described as a "GIANT SCALE" winch, it has more than enough power for 1100 sq. inches (0.8 sq. meters) of sail area and is fast. Since it was going into a prototype, I was more concerned about speed/power/cost than how it looks or slightly heavier weight. Once the boat is 50 feet from shore, most lines become invisible anyway!

For the F-48 (not to that point yet) I might go with the Guyatt, unless this arm works well for me in the prototype.

Knowing from big boat experience about having to dump the mainsheet fast, I think the HiTec drum is way too slow, but it is very inexpensive. If you move to the Futaba, I would keep going and swallow hard and pay the going rate for the Guyatt winch. Not too familliar with the Atlas Whirlwind from the U.K. Understand a lot use them, but cost is pretty close to the Guyatt, but without the burnout protection and programming avialable in the Guyatt. If you have relatives in the U.K. - or western Europe, perhaps they can check costs for you to compare.

I would have guessed that the electronics available in the Land of the Rising Sun, would be very inexpensive compared to here in the U.S. or other places around the world. Maybe not ! Good luck.

Just my opinon above, of course.

[Wis]

Thanks for the infos...
I guess ; I will get a Hitec and with time I ll upgrade to an RMG....time will tell me.

As for the Futaba; well a few more $$$ and the RMG is close.

Now; the difference between Tower's Futabas and the one I can get here...is...the one from Tower are (not always) made in Taiwan; and the one I get here in Japan; are made in Japan...dont ask me what is different..they look same...(just the small sticker differs)
I bought an S3003 and the S3801 from Tower..even with the shipping; it was cheaper than buying here...I am till wondering.... but PC or any non-RC electronic stuff is...very cheap compared to Europe (dont know about USA)

Again thanks for the infos.

Wis

[IanHB]

WIS, Mate, my suggestion is you bite the bullet and save up for another few weeks until you can afford the Guyatt winch.
I promise, you will never regret the decision.
Forget all the other rubbish, too slow, too weak, to bad!
Once you have owned a Guyatt you will never have anything else.
I own 4 currently and am just about to order a 280 for my new V5 IOM.
TRUST ME, Would I lie to you? MATE. ;D

[Wis]

hmmmm that would be 235 AUD; shipping included....thinking...thinking...thinking....

Thanks for the advice

Wis

[MultiFast Is MultiFun]

Ian -
are you Australia or New Zealand?

Peter Birch mentioned there are two HiTec drm winches available in Australia. Up here in the US I only have one and that one is really slow. Sailed a Laser using one.

He was going to check model numbers. If you are in N.Z. can you check HiTec drum specs there as well?

Thanks.