Winches - Lewmar Vs. Andersen

[BELLATRIX1965]

Greetings: I need to replace the old deck-mounted MERRIMAN 16 jib/genoa halyard winches (yeah, antiques!). Looked at Lewmar, but the nearest equivalent is about 2" taller than the originals. I like the "classic" look of the SS Andersen winches, and the physical size is a much better match. Problem at this point is: I have no past experience with Andersen. Can anyone offer some feedback re: function, reliability, spare parts availability? Thanks in advance for your help.

[Tartan34C]

I had them on one boat I owned. They worked well but I didn’t have the boat long enough for any maintenance problems to pop up.

The drum is a little different then most winches. It has a polished stainless steel drum with whelps instead of a sand blasted or textured surface. It looked strange to me but worked well. In short I think they are good value for the money and worked great. I don’t think you will have problems with parts because they are still in production and respond to e-mail in a timely manner.
All the best,
Robert Gainer

[sailingdog]

From what I remember, PS did an article on winches not too long ago, and Andersen came up very highly rated. I believe they're more commonly used in Europe than in the USA. Don't know about parts availability though.

[camaraderie]

I have an Anderson power winch...works beautifully. Shop around the web...was able buy mine at 40% off list.

[Maine Sail]

I honestly think he Anderson's are both better built and a better value. I've used both and the Anderson's grip the rope better than my Lewmar's do. If I were paying to buy winches, and they did not come as standard equipment on my boat, I would have purchased Anderson's!

[Faster]

I'll second (third? fifth?) the idea that the Anderson winches are a good looking, functional reliable product. No aluminum parts minimizes corrosion issues.

[Valiente]

I have Andersens on my new-to-me boat and they are smooth, functional and trouble-free. I'll qualify my endorsement after we come back after our five-year cruise, however...

[tdw]

SD,
Your memory is still functioning despite the passing years. . PS did do a winch comparison last year and they gave Anderson top marks and best of breed. They compared Andersen, Harken, Lewmar, Meissner, Arco-Hutton, LVJ and Antal.

Bellatrix,
I can't access the article online but if you are interested I'm sure to have the issue floating around at home or on the boat and could scan it for you and post.

[BELLATRIX1965]

Wow! Looks like the praise for Andersen is unanimous!

I am thinking about replacing the "antique" primaries with self-tailers (down the road), and will likely make the entire boat Andersen if the halyard winches live up to all the good words!

Thanks very much to all the members that gave me feedback!
Is it Spring yet?????
Bruce

[sailingdog]

Spring's not here yet, at least in New England....