Lewmar vs. Andersen self-tailing winches

[stipakb]

Is there a meaningful quality difference between Lewmar and Andersen self-tailing winches?

How about the Andersen Full Stainless winches?

Brian Stipak
Portland, Oregon

[Jeff_H]

Yes there are differences...the Lewmars are a little smoother acting and seemingly lower friction. Lewmars are available with an aluminum drum configuration and so can be significantly lighter in weight. Lewmars have better spare part availability. If you are in a high salt environment then the chrome on bronze or stainless steel Lewmar or stainless steel Anderson may be a slightly better option. In either case, its the maintenance cycle that makes the biggest difference.

Jeff

[Gramp34]

Have a look at the 2006 Practical Sailor winch test.

Tim

[mitiempo]

Anderson 40st all stainless weight 5 kg, Lewmar 40st weighs 4.9 kg in aluminum (3.52 ounces lighter) and upto 6.7 kg in stainless or bronze. Anderson is probably the most durable winch available and very easy to service. Anderson recommends 2 yr service interval as opposed to most others which are i yr. So the weight is very close but the price might not be. I own 2 Anderson 40st and two 28st and couldn't be happier.
Brian

[tommays]

Harken seems to be doing a nice job on there units and able to deliver them