I had the same issue having moved down from a Niagra 35 that had twin, independent mainsheets led aft w/
winches near the helm.
I bought two ST
Lewmar wijnches and had SS pedestals made that bolted to the deck. These were made in stages (by Mystic Stainless)...First a cardboard mock-up, then a rough SS model, then two more incarnations and voila...Very expensive, beautiful and accessible
winches!
I often wear knee pads at the helm...not pretty, but no pain.
Paul
I'll send pictures off net