Lewmar One Touch Winch Handles?

SEMIJim · #1 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007

I got a chance to see and handle one of Lewmar's One Touch winch handles at a silent auction last weekend. Looked and felt like a pretty impressive product. I've occasionally fumbled with the thumb release on traditional winch handles, myself. This design seems to be quite an improvement. Plus it apparently can't jam. What few reviews I've found on-line were all positive. Anybody here had any experience with them?

TIA,
Jim

TejasSailer · #2 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007

Jim,

I got one to try it out, and soon after got the second. Pricy, but as I tell my wife, "nothing is too good for our boat." She never tells me that nothing is precisely what she has in mind.

BTW, I think you'll find an earlier post from me about dissatisfaction with the more traditional Lewmar winch handles. I replaced those with Harken winch handles, which I was happy with, and now with the Lewmar One Touch because they seem better. Just a few weeks ago somebody noting that I had six winch handles said "You can never have too many." I don't know about that, but I'm certainly prepared for dropping one (or two or three) overboard. The last thing I lost overboard were my car keys, so I suppose it is just a matter of time.

NOLAsailing · #3 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007

I have a couple of the One Touch handles and they are fantastic. This is coming from a couple years of using Harkens, which I also like, but the ease of use and the time savings of the One Touch handles are unbeatable. Get a couple, you won't regret it.

Giulietta · #4 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007

I don't want them...but that's just me...

labatt · #5 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007

They are excellent - no question about it. I no longer have any issues when I'm scrambling to get a handle in...

NOLAsailing · #6 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007

Quote:

I don't want them...but that's just me...

Why not? They are great handles, fairly light, and affordable - what's not to like?

SEMIJim · #7 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007

Okay, guys, thanks for the feedback. I think we may go with them. Only decision now is whether to go with the "Powergrip" version (knob on top) or not.

Giu,

I know you're quite happy with the West Marine winch handles you have, but if they're the same ones I saw in a local store (looked like yours, from what I could see): They're $130 apiece. Too rich for my blood.

NOLAsailing,

If you search Gear & Maintenance carefully, I think you'll find a thread from w/in the last three months or so where Alex talks about his experiences with winch handles.

Jim

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007

Get the Powergrip version, since you'll want it if you're trying to get more leverage.

Freesail99 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Get the Powergrip version, since you'll want it if you're trying to get more leverage.

When I first read that, I thought he said get the pollygrip version, lol

SEMIJim · #10 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Get the Powergrip version, since you'll want it if you're trying to get more leverage.

Yeah, I was thinking of going that way for that reason.

Y'all might find amusing the reason for this question.

The winch handles that are on the boat aren't great. Non-locking, both of 'em. One's a heavy, long, chromed thing. The other's a shorter plastic/composite one with a red handle. The old, heavy, chrome one is more effective. The newer, smaller one is easier to manipulate. The up-shot of all this is: We planned to get new winch handles, eventually, anyway, but Not Right Now as: 1. It's near the end of the season and 2. Well, we've really kinda Busted the Boat Budget, if'n y'all get my drift.

The Admiral's birthday is coming up. Finding things for her has become increasingly difficult because, well, she's got most everything she needs for her hobbies/interests due to the 15 years of birthdays and Chrismas' since we were married. I tend to buy stuff that lasts. So the other day I ask "What would you like for your birthday this year?" "I don't know," she replies. Thinks about it a second, then says "How about a winch handle?"

LOL!

So okay, a winch handle it is. For her boat. And I'll buy the 2nd one out of my own "personal piggy bank," cuz we can't have just one, right?

I only wish the Powergrip handles were red, instead of yellow. Ah well.

Jim