Forespar Marelon winches

bobmcgov · #1 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

Little buggers, and cheap. Thinking of adding a pair for headsail handling, jibs up to 120 sqft. Similar to a #5 or 6, but allegedly stronger. At $60 each, they seem attractive, but there's rumors of them sticking. Anyone have personal experience with this winch? Danke.

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

They're great for what they are. They're plastic winches, designed for relatively light loads. Given those limitations, they're pretty good. I've used them on smaller sailboats...

bobmcgov · #3 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

No trouble with them sticking in hot weather? Do they even have pawls and bearings, or just a sleeve bushing inside? Forespar says 200 sqft of sail, West Marine says 125 sqft. Forespar says pull-tested to over 1000 lbs, etc.

Might just buy a pair and if they break or jam, raise bloody Cain with Forespar. They have a pretty fair 3-yr warranty on their products.... I've been stalking winches on eBay, but auctions drive me bat-poop.

Rockter · #4 (**permalink**) 06-24-2008

Do they sell them in Scotland?
I wonder.
Looks neat for lighter loads, perhaps a reef line, or outhaul, or something.

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 06-24-2008

It was fairly hot when I've used them...didn't seem to be a problem. As for the guts...can't say...never got a chance to dissect one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobmcgov

No trouble with them sticking in hot weather? Do they even have pawls and bearings, or just a sleeve bushing inside? Forespar says 200 sqft of sail, West Marine says 125 sqft. Forespar says pull-tested to over 1000 lbs, etc.

Might just buy a pair and if they break or jam, raise bloody Cain with Forespar. They have a pretty fair 3-yr warranty on their products.... I've been stalking winches on eBay, but auctions drive me bat-poop.

bobmcgov · #6 (**permalink**) 06-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockter

Do they sell them in Scotland?
I wonder.
Looks neat for lighter loads, perhaps a reef line, or outhaul, or something.

Rockter: might try contacting Nauquip. They're the biggest Forespar dealer in the UK. These would be great winches on booms or masts, just for their lightness and low cost. The money you save could go towards some nice self-tailers where it counts.