Winches are generally pretty durable with a good long lifetime ahead. Eventually, however, you may have reason to change them out. Perhaps you would like self-tailing or your old winches came from a manufacturer who is no longer in business and parts supply is an issue. Or maybe you want to add another winch for a new function or would like to electrify a manual winch.
Whatever the reason, there are a few things to consider when choosing a new winch including size, self-tailing or not, material and fit.
The first thing to do is to size the new winch. You will find an excellent sizing guide in the Harken catalog or below.
Note that the first column (genoa sheet winch - or "Primary" winch as it is often called), sizes the winch based on the 100% foretriangle area of the boat. Many people want to size based on their biggest genoa, but it's when the wind is blowing and we are using reduced sail that the max load is seen by the winch and the max power is required.
Once you know what size winch you need, the next likely decision is whether it should be self-tailing or not. In this day and age, for most people and most functions, self-tailing would be the first choice. In the case of Harken winches, the smallest self-tailing winch is the 15. Anything smaller than the 15 will not be self-tailing.
One thing that is important in regard to self-tailers is the line size and type of line. Using very hard high-tech line will require a lot of turns and might not grip well in the jaws. Remember that the jaws want to press the line into a triangular shape to grip it. If you use line that is too big, you might damage the jaws. This is common when people put large diameter line around a winch. Look at the max line size for your chosen winch and don't exceed it. Large diameter line doesn't like going around corners and will show more resistance than thinner diameters.
Usually you wouldn't want self-tailing winch tops for primary winches on a racing boat where casting off the rope into a tack is easier without.
Anodized alloy (usually grey or black) is popular and is highly durable, light, and generally more cost effective than other finishes.
The second obvious option would be a chrome finish. This is extremely popular on cruising boats and is very attractive. The drum is commonly made from bronze which is then chromed. This results in a durable finish, but a heavier winch and a larger investment.
It's worth considering the grip on the winch drum. This will either be a surface grip (where the surface is roughened in some manner) or a form grip (where the actual shape of the drum provides the grip). The form grip is likely to be kinder to your lines. In the case of the Harken Radial winches, the grip is shaped to drive the line towards the bottom of the drum when easing which will help prevent overrides. Performa winches have sandblasted surface grip drums optimized for halyard and sheeting applications using small-diameter, high-tech line.
There are other finishes available, such as all-bronze or stainless steel, but these are much less common and will be considerably more expensive and time intensive to maintain.
Once you've made that selection, you are ready to choose your winch. Make sure you have checked that the winch will fit onto the chosen area using the correct dimensions.
If you have questions regarding Harken winches, please contact us at 262-691-.
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Getting stuck is part of the adventure when you’re out on the trail. Whether blazing through thick mud or navigating rocky terrain, a winch system can be the difference between pushing forward or spending the night where you’re stuck. With Fab Fours' October promotion, now's the perfect time to equip your off-road rig with a winch that works as hard as you do. Let’s break down what a winch is, why it’s essential for off-roading, and how to choose the best winch for your vehicle.
At its core, a winch is a piece of equipment that uses a motor to wind a cable or rope around a drum. When you're out on the trail, this setup lets you pull your vehicle out of tough spots, like when bogged down in mud, snow, or sand. A winch system is a vital tool for any off-road enthusiast because it gives you the power to recover your vehicle when the trail gets tricky.
Winch systems are all about reliability—when you're out in the wild, you need to know your gear will hold up. Whether facing steep hills, fallen logs, or soft ground, a good winch can pull you through and get you back to adventuring.
Not all winches are created equal, so you’ll need to think about what works best for your vehicle and off-roading style. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
The weight capacity, also known as line pull, is the most critical factor when choosing a winch. You want a winch that can handle at least 1.5 times your vehicle’s weight. For example, if your fully loaded Jeep weighs 6,000 pounds, aim for a winch with a line pull of at least 9,000 pounds. The higher the line pull, the easier it’ll be to recover your vehicle, even in extreme conditions.
This is where ouroff-road winches shine—offering a range of pulling capacities that meet the demands of every rig. When you're stuck in a mess, the last thing you want is a winch that can't pull its weight.
NEW WING Drone Winch Product Page
When powering your winch, you’ve got two options: electric or hydraulic.
Both have their perks, but most weekend warriors opt for electric winches because they are easy to install and reliable in short bursts. You can explore more winch optionshere.
Off-roading is unpredictable. One minute, you're cruising along a dirt trail, and the next, you're knee-deep in mud or facing a steep incline. That’s where a winch comes into play. It’s not just about getting unstuck—having a winch means you’re self-reliant and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
Winches are there when you need them most, especially in situations like:
With a reliable winch, these situations become just another part of the adventure. Don’t wait for the trail to get the best of you—check out Fab Fours’October promotion and get the correct winch before your next trip.
The winch you need depends on what you drive. Here are some recommendations based on vehicle type:
For lighter vehicles, look for winches with a pulling capacity of 8,000 to 10,000 pounds. These are great for casual off-roading, providing plenty of power without overdoing it.
If you’re driving a full-size truck or an overland rig loaded with gear, go for a winch with a 12,000 to 15,000-pound pulling capacity. This ensures you have the muscle to recover your vehicle in more challenging situations.
For smaller off-road vehicles like ATVs and UTVs, a winch with a 4,000 to 6,000-pound pulling capacity is usually sufficient. You want just enough power to get unstuck without overcomplicating things.
Explore our full line ofoff-road winches to find the perfect fit for your vehicle.
Once your winch is installed, you’ll want to keep it in peak condition. Regularly check the cable or rope for wear, keep bolts tight, and make sure your battery or hydraulic system is in good shape. Running your winch every so often—even when you're not stuck—keeps it ready for action when you need it most.
Proper care and regular maintenance will keep your winch running strong, trip after trip. Visit Fab Fours for more accessories and tools to make winch maintenance easier.
For more Customized Winch System Providerinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.