Winch sizing (for a P26)

[jtbuck]

I'm winch shopping currently. I have a Pearson 26 and I'm looking at a pair of Barient 22 two-speed winches. When I look at Dan Pfeiffer's Pearson site (which is as good a reference as any for us P26 owners (thanks again, Dan)), I saw he had Lewar #8 winches on Pyxis which, according to the Winch Equivalency Chart is approximately equal to a Barient 10. I've only seen pictures of the 22s and it's tough to judge the size from a picture. I don't really want to go cruising past a J130 and have larger Primaries than it has. I'd feel like Popeye with his forearms. At the same time, I want 2-speed and I want the jib to be easily handled.

So I'm soliciting opinion and experience: Would Barient 22s be too much for primaries on a Pearson 26? about right? unlikely, but, too little?- the same place does have Barient 25s for sale, too

Note: I do do the weekly club races, I do have a 170%, 150%, & 130% , and I do occasionally have smaller arms manning (or womanning) the jib sheets.

Joe Buck
s/v Allegro
1972 P26 #418

[msmith10]

Barient 22s are equivalent to Lewmar or Anderson 40s. They may be a little large but not unreasonable, and especially if you're using a 170. You don't want Barient 25s- those would be BIG winches.
Be aware that Barient is out of business. You can still get replacement parts (springs and pawls) but you have to look a little. They are bulletproof winches if maintained.

[JimsCAL]

Better a little oversized than a little undersized. My previous 30-footer had Barient 26s. I've seen the same winches on 36-footers. They were a delight.