Andersen Winch Selection Guide

The selection guide assists in choosing the right winch based on yacht size, rig type, and sail area. It is primarily designed for masthead-rigged monohulls but also accounts for fractional rigs, heavy displacement boats, and multihulls. Key considerations include the yacht’s LOA (Length Overall) and sail area, with winch recommendations provided based on the required sail handling loads. For example, for a boat with a genoa sail area of 120 m² (1300 ft²), a 62ST or 68ST winch would be ideal.

Manual Andersen Self Tailing Winches

Andersen’s self-tailing manual winches are engineered for durability and ease of use, incorporating their proprietary Power Rib™ technology. This feature ensures a controlled grip on the rope without excessive wear, allowing smooth trimming and easing of lines. The winches are made of 316L stainless steel, providing corrosion resistance and long-lasting performance. The line entry is optimized through a polished surface that reduces vertical friction. Models like the 12ST, 28ST, and 40ST offer a range of gear ratios to suit different applications. The 46ST, for instance, has a 2.8:1 gear ratio for high torque in low-speed operations and an 8.4:1 ratio for lighter, faster trimming.

Special Finishes

Andersen winches are available in various premium finishes to complement yacht aesthetics while maintaining functionality. The PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating offers a highly durable finish, available in black or bronze, and provides superior resistance to impact and abrasion. The ZT finish, often described as having a “titanium look,” combines a rugged, matte finish with the same durability and corrosion resistance as standard stainless steel winches.

E1 Electric Winches

E1 electric winches allow the user to hoist and trim sails at the push of a button. They feature an integrated motor unit with a series-wound motor that provides two operational speeds: high speed for low loads and slow, high-torque operation for heavy loads. The winches also incorporate advanced safety features, including overload protection that temporarily disables the winch if the load exceeds the limit, thermal cutout protection, and reverse polarity protection. Each winch is fitted with an illuminated push-button for operation, which also acts as a troubleshooting interface by providing error codes. Popular models include the 40ST E1 and 52ST E1, which are designed to handle a wide range of sailing conditions.

Two-Speed Electric Winches

The two-speed electric winches are designed for larger boats, typically those over 16 meters (60 feet). These winches feature a powerful 3500W fan-cooled motor and are available in 24V configurations, delivering both speed and power for demanding sail handling tasks. The two-speed operation provides fast sheeting in lighter winds and precise trimming under load. Manual operation is always available as a backup, with models like the 78ST and 110ST offering robust performance and reliability. These winches are also equipped with safety features similar to the E1 series, including overload and thermal protection.

Compact Motor™, Variable Speed Electric Winches

The Compact Motor™ electric winches feature a brushless DC motor combined with a low-profile planetary gearbox, making them ideal for installations where space is limited. Available in above-deck or below-deck configurations, these winches provide variable speed control based on the pressure applied to the push-button, allowing for precise trimming and hoisting. The compact motor is highly efficient, drawing less current compared to traditional motor-gearbox setups. The 28ST Compact Motor™ offers up to 200 mm of deck clearance and a motor depth of 254 mm, making it suitable for both small and large yachts.

Hydraulic Winches

Andersen hydraulic winches are used on larger yachts, typically where high loads need to be managed with precision and ease. They are powered by industry-standard hydraulic motors and integrate easily with other hydraulic systems on board, such as furlers or anchor windlasses. Hydraulic winches are available in both single-speed and two-speed models, providing flexible control over the winch speed and power. For example, the 52ST hydraulic winch offers a smooth and powerful operation with a gear ratio of 16.2:1, while the larger 110ST hydraulic winch delivers even greater pulling power for massive sail areas.

Classic Winches

These manually-operated winches are simple, robust, and widely used in racing and cruising yachts. Andersen’s classic winches, such as the 40ST and 46ST, offer a high degree of reliability with minimal maintenance requirements. They feature precision-cut gears and a two-speed operation, providing both fine-tuning and powerful pulling capabilities. The 46ST, for example, offers a 6.4:1 gear ratio for high-load situations and a 45.6:1 power ratio, making it an excellent choice for demanding sail handling tasks.

Andersen Winch Handles & Accessories

Andersen provides a variety of winch handles, including the innovative Quick-Lock™ handle, which allows for quick, single-handed insertion and removal from the winch. This handle features an auto-locking mechanism that requires no manual activation, making it one of the easiest and fastest handles to use. Available in 200mm and 250mm lengths, and with options for single grip or palm grip designs, these handles enhance both speed and comfort when operating the winches. The RF4410 (200mm single grip) and RF4435 (250mm palm grip) are popular choices for performance sailing.

Andersen Winch Service Kits

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of Andersen winches. The service kits contain replacement parts such as pawls, springs, bearings, and seals for specific winch models. For example, the RA710001 service kit includes components for models like the 12ST and 40ST, while the RA710007 is designed for the larger 78ST winches. Andersen also offers specialized winch grease (RA500001) to further protect internal components during operation.

Andersen is a renowned leader in the marine industry, specializing in the production of high-performance winches designed for sailing yachts of all sizes. With over 50 years of experience, Andersen is known for its precision engineering, durable materials, and innovative technologies like the Power Rib™ feature and PVD finishes. Their extensive range includes manual, electric, and hydraulic winches, each built with 316L stainless steel for exceptional corrosion resistance and longevity. Andersen’s commitment to performance and reliability is evident in their meticulous craftsmanship and advanced features, such as variable-speed electric motors and integrated safety systems. Whether for cruising or racing, Andersen winches provide sailors with unparalleled control, power, and ease of use, solidifying the brand as a trusted choice in the global sailing community..