Electric Halyard Winch for 2007 Bavaria 50 Cruiser?

[allendick]

Raising the heavy main up this tall mast is a big job on this boat so I am thinking of changing the halyard winch to electric.

Has anyone done this, and if so is there anything to know going in? 

Space underneath, wiring, choice of winch?

Any surprises?

The other, cheaper, but maybe less elegant option is an electric winch handle.  Any advice?

[IslandAlchemy]

Just did it last year, but mainly because my winches got stolen.

I fitted Lewmar Evo winches, as the electric version was a lot cheaper than the Harken ones. No idea what winches you have so can't comment on specifics.

I had to drill a 65mm diameter hole in the deck, which was about 25mm thich grp, then with an 8mm aluminium plate, and then a further 6mm of grp.  You will need a diamond cutter, and you will also need to chain-drill through the aluminium.

It's important to measure, measure, and measure again before cutting the hole.  The motor/gearbox unit sits in the aft cabin above the door. Once you work out how it fits, drill a small pilot hole to check your position before cutting the big hole.

You also need to run 75mm cables in order to take the load.

It's quite a job, and very messy.

[Lazy Pelican]

We’re considering doing the same as the OP.
We have Lewmar winches- has anyone fitted the electric conversion kit?

[SYJetzt]

We have a roller furling main on our B46 2005, so we don't need so much power for reefing out or in.
We use our Makita Drill (DDF481RMJ) for hoisting up crew to the mast or lifting up the dhingi to the foredeck (approx. 100kg including 20HP engine), which would be pretty exhausting when done manually. The torque of this drill (115NM) is enough for our lifting purposes on our 44ST winch.
We use a star shaped winch bit to drive the winch .
You will need the most powerful drill available, but not an electric impact wrench, which will destroy your winch gear immediately.

[allendick]

Thanks for the input.  Installing the winch looks like a huge job.

The Electric drill solution looks to be cheaper and simpler, but means an extra piece of equipment.

I'll be onboard later today and will take a closer look.

[Moodymike]

You might find this video useful  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Gm4AEDq9lA 

[allendick]

The Selden E40i Looks very interesting.

I made a few searches and did not turn up a source that lists both the winch and the power supply.

Has anyone here bought one?

[Hvalborg]

Installed the Selden E40i last spring, used through the last season. Quite happy with it. Mostly used for furling the main. Biggest advantage is that there is nothing "under", everything is inside the winch. The drum size is larger than I (kind of) expected.
Recently ordered the electric motor upgrade kit for my 300S Furlex as well.

[Hvalborg]

Found a picture

[allendick]

Good to know. Where did you buy? And did the power supply add much to the cost?

[blue-max]

Hvalborg - would be interested to  know more about your experience about motorising the 300s furler. I recently picked up  a used  wichmate  electric handle which  I have not had the chance to  use but buttons maybe better than levers!

[Hvalborg]

Ordered it through my local sail loft here in Norway (Gran seil).
The power supply unit is about 500USD/EUR.

[allendick]

Thanks.  This looking like a real possibility.  I don't like the major surgery and heavy cables that other options require.

[kavok]

We have a roller furling main on our B46 2005, so we don't need so much power for reefing out or in.
We use our Makita Drill (DDF481RMJ) for hoisting up crew to the mast or lifting up the dhingi to the foredeck (approx. 100kg including 20HP engine), which would be pretty exhausting when done manually. The torque of this drill (115NM) is enough for our lifting purposes on our 44ST winch.
We use a star shaped winch bit to drive the winch .
You will need the most powerful drill available, but not an electric impact wrench, which will destroy your winch gear immediately.

Same Makita 115 nm on my Cruiser 40.
I suggest to begin in buy this. If after first season  you are unsatisfed, you can buy an electric winch and you also have a best quality driller.

[Krumelur]

I considered installing an electric winch but then the Winchrite was €50 off at SVB for €750.
I'm just back from the boat and this device is such an improvement. I'm fit but I never enjoyed setting the main sail. Go Winchrite. Sail's up in record time.
Then we had to pull up the foresail. Winchrite. Job done. No cursing, no sweating.

Can't wait to use while on the move. :-)