Winchrite Electric Winch Handle Device

[mark hall]

Would any S2 7.9 owner have any experience with using a Winchrite Electric Winch Handle? Specifically to raise the center board? I know they are not legal in Race Competition, but I am attempting to save shoulders, muscles, ligaments of my wife! The Winchrite data claims to produce up to 100 Ft. lbs of Torque and my understanding from S2 7.9 data, it takes approx 80 Ft lbs of Torque to raise the Center board. The cost is approx $550 so I am gathering as much experience before I purchase.

[J.D. Kloss]

No experience with the winch handle device, but my boat came with a small electric winch mounted under the centerboard cover with a 2:1 tackle to the board. Now dismantled but it worked very well and would be much less expensive (under $200, I'd think). Only downside is that the board could not be completely raised -- 6-8" protruded. Not enough to be a problem loading on to a trailer.

Jim Kloss
sv Ambivalence
S2 7.9 #8