Portable grinding power

If you’ve always wished for electric winches but can’t afford them or don’t have sufficient space, you might be interested in a portable alternative.

Winchrite is a cordless electric ‘grinder’ designed to supplement muscle power – and it’s particularly useful for halyard winches.

Powered by a hefty lithium-ion battery, the unit offers more than 110Nm of torque (around 80 ft-lbs in old speak) and delivers it at variable speeds. It rotates at between 50 and 110 rpm, is reversible and fits all standard single and two speed winches using an eight-point socket.

Weighing around three kilograms, it is quickly charged with 220-volt shore power, but can also be revitalised with 12-volt DC trickle charging.

Reviewer Sarah Ell used the Winchrite during her test on the Grand Soleil 43. “It certainly removes the slog from cranking the primaries. It’s very easy to use, and the two-speed function and variable speed gives you plenty of leeway for controlling the sail.

“Because it’s fairly light it’s ideal for smaller crew members – or, dare I say it – for women, and it will be a huge bonus for raising the main. I think it also offers an excellent feature in man overboard scenarios. We often hear of women who aren’t strong enough to bring their partners back on board. This would an ideal aid.”

The units retail for $980 ex GST. Winchrite units are distributed by Auckland’s Marine Gear Ltd. For more information call 09 377-3882, mobile 021 991-357 or visit www.marinegear.co.nz.