Electric Winches - or hydrualic

[Myblueheaven]

Does anyone have experience with replacing non powered winches with electric wiches ( or Hydrualic)? I am having increasing difficulty turning mine on my 50 footer sloop due to age and medical condition. I am thinking of swapping out two of my regular ones for powered ones. Can a motor be retrofitted into my current ones?

[capttb]

If your winches are fairly recent some of the Lewmars are convertible but not sure how long this has been a feature. The following is from their website: Ocean Winches manufactured since 1992 can also be converted by installing a new centre stem as well as the power drive unit, motor and switch gear.
http://www.lewmar.com/webcat/index.asp