J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Which Winch

I am planning to replace my well worn Barrient 25 primaries this winter. I would like to move to self tailing. There are a number of options and I'm looking for the voice of experience.

When I race I usually have some serious muscle on board but occasionally the muscle is my sister. She occasionally gets mean after grinding the Barient 25s a few times.

I am considering Lewmar 30ST or Harken 32.2ST, each recomended by the manufacturers, but I'm coinsidering 40ST. The price isn't much more, first gear has the same power ratio, and second gear might make my sister happier with me!

If you've made the switch to ST winches could you chime in with you winch choice and how they're working for you?

Thanks

I made the switch to self tailing last year. When I first asked Harken for their recommendation to replace the Barient 25's they also suggested the B32.2ST but after I ordered/received them I found that they were considerably smaller than the 25's, so much so that the base didn't even cover the old holes (maybe the were recommending replacements for the secondary winches). I asked Harken again and they responded (I believe it was Mike Lee) that the correct size to replace the Barient 25 is B44.2ST. The 44 is a very good replacement. Though the bolt pattern isn't the same as the barient, the base will cover the old holes. As for the choice between self tailing and that other way, there really insn't much of a choice in my opinion. My wife is the primary crew on our boat and it was far and away the best "Christmas gift" I ever gave her. Seriously, she has commented often how much easier, enjoyable, etc. it is with the self tailers. I purchased them through Boat U.S. Special Outfitting Service. Got a pretty good deal. Hope that helps.

Steve sullivan
Temptation # 311

Anyone know the pwer ratiow in second gear for the Barient 25s? A 44 seems to big, even if it does fit the space.

Using a simple power ratio formula of 2 X handle length (assume 10" handle) X the gear ratio divided by the drum diameter you get power ratios of:

Barient 25:
Gear Ratios 1:1 and 8:1
Drum Diameter 3-9/16"
Power Ratios 5.6:1 and 44:1

Barient 21 (secondary winch)
Gear Ratios 1:1 and 4.2:1
Drum Diameter 2-3/4"
Power Ratios 7.3:1 and 31:1

I think the second speed ratios the the two Barients 25 and 21 correspond correctly to the Harken 44 and 32 respectively. The first speed has a little better power ratios in the Harkens than the Barients. Hope that helps.

In case you or others are interested, I have two used Barient 25's for sale. They are in very good shape as my boat was never raced before I got her and in fact was probably sailed very little. I was looking to get around $375 apiece but would listen to offers. I live just south of Des Moines, Iowa. If interested, send Email or call at 641 627-5092 or 515 281-2739.



[This message has been edited by Steve Sullivan (edited 01-08-2002).]

The best price I can find for Harken 44.2STs is $1,681.20 plus shipping from Canada for a pair.

I have a quote from Arco in Austrailia for a pair of their 45STs at $1,450 delivered and they will give me $420 trade in on my Barients (even after I described the condition of the drums to them! I do have to get them to Austrailia.) for a net of $1,030 plus a package to Austrailia. They will manufacture these for me with a mounting hole pattern matching the Barient 25s.

Anyone have Arco winches or have opinions on them?

I replaced my primaries with Andersen 40 winches which are light weight. I am very happy with them and found the price cheaper than Lewmar or Harken. A lot of singlehandled offshore racing boats use Andersen winches. The drums have ribs on them instead of nonskid which is much easier on the lines.

My primarys were changed to Barient Model 24-45 two speed self tailing . They work very well and I can`t imagine anything less.My wife has no problem "grinding" at all.