Have Barient 28's, Question about new ST's

[GMFL]

I've been updating my Islander 36 that I purchased almost a year ago and have done a bunch of work so far: New lines led inside mast, painted the mast, new roller furler, electronics, etc. One of the next upgrades on the list are new self tailing winches for the jib sheets.

I currently have Barient 28's not st's. Want to replace with new Lewmar or Harken Self Tailers. Don't know much about winches but have been reading up. It seems as though the recommendations from the above manufacturers are suggesting a smaller diameter winch drum than that of the Barient 28. I know rope diameters have become smaller due to increased strength/tech. Is that the same for winches? Were mine over sized for some reason?

I have a 135% genoa now, but may purchase a 150% in the future if that helps any. The boat has been in the San Francisco bay for a while (since it's launch??). I'm planning to bring it to the Southern CA area next summer, where winds are much lighter.

Thanks, in advance, for any replies.

[SloopJonB]

Originally Posted by GMFL

I've been updating my Islander 36 that I purchased almost a year ago and have done a bunch of work so far: New lines led inside mast, painted the mast, new roller furler, electronics, etc. One of the next upgrades on the list are new self tailing winches for the jib sheets.

I currently have Barient 28's not st's. Want to replace with new Lewmar or Harken Self Tailers. Don't know much about winches but have been reading up. It seems as though the recommendations from the above manufacturers are suggesting a smaller diameter winch drum than that of the Barient 28. I know rope diameters have become smaller due to increased strength/tech. Is that the same for winches? Were mine over sized for some reason?

I have a 135% genoa now, but may purchase a 150% in the future if that helps any. The boat has been in the San Francisco bay for a while (since it's launch??). I'm planning to bring it to the Southern CA area next summer, where winds are much lighter.

Thanks, in advance, for any replies.

A winch is essentially a lever. Much of the power is gained by the difference between the diameter of the drum and the length of the handle - smaller drum diameter is the same as a longer handle. As long as the drum diameter is large enough to spool your line without problems, it's wide enough. The big, powerful winches have such large diameter drums because they have big gear trains inside that have to be enclosed by the drum. The guts of my old Barient 736's look like a Muncie 4-speed from an old muscle car.

[BELLATRIX1965]

Re: Self-tailing - REMEMBER regardless of winch drum diameter, the self-tailing device will only suit a limited range of line diameters! Be certain what size line you will be handling now and in future, and match that to the self-tailer on the new winch(es).

Have you considered ANDERSEN stainless steel winches? Check them out! We bought a full set for our boat last year - really, really nice winches!

[mitiempo]

I'll second Anderson winches. I have 40's for sheets and 28's on the cabin top. The best winches I have seen or used.

[SloopJonB]

Originally Posted by mitiempo

I'll second Anderson winches. I have 40's for sheets and 28's on the cabin top. The best winches I have seen or used.

Andersen's sure look like the best available these days.

How do they compare to what Barient used to put out? I have a bunch of old stainless Barients and they are wonderful pieces of machinery - bulletproof as long as they have some semblance of lubrication in them. All 12 on my boat were seized solid with dried lube when I bought the boat - not one of them would turn. After stripping and cleaning them I had to replace exactly one pawl and one spring on the then 34 year old winches.

That's pretty hard to beat IMHO.

[mitiempo]

I've never owned Barients but a friend has a few and likes them.

[msmith10]

I replaced Barients with Andersens a couple of years ago because I wanted self tailers. I agree that the Barients are great winches-- bulletproof is exactly how I always described them. Not a plastic part on them anywhere. I am just as impressed with the Andersens.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by SloopJonB

smaller drum diameter is the same as a longer handle. As long as the drum diameter is large enough to spool your line without problems, it's wide enough. The big, powerful winches have such large diameter drums because they have big gear trains inside that have to be enclosed by the drum.

Interesting, I would have thought a larger drum would provide more leverage. Good to know.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by BELLATRIX1965

Re: Self-tailing - REMEMBER regardless of winch drum diameter, the self-tailing device will only suit a limited range of line diameters! Be certain what size line you will be handling now and in future, and match that to the self-tailer on the new winch(es).

Yep, that's why I'm looking at new winches. I did find Barient 28 ST's at Minney's for $600 ea. The footprint (and hole pattern I'm assuming) would have been the same as what I have now. Since I have switched out the rope to wire lines for new Samson lines, I thought I should look into new winches.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by BELLATRIX1965

Have you considered ANDERSEN stainless steel winches? Check them out! We bought a full set for our boat last year - really, really nice winches!

I had not. I've seen the brand but didn't really look into them, but just checked them out some more. They seem to be a bit more expensive but the all stainless look pretty sweet. Maybe I'll save up for another month or so.

Thanks.