Winch recommendation?

[LWolf]

Hello Ericson community,
I'm replacing 2 single speed Lewmar 30's - which are a workout! - with old-folk friendly 2-speed ST winches.
Any recommendations for aluminum vs. stainless winch?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Loren Beach]

Unless a few ounces of weight saving are vital to the racing you might be doing I would choose the version with the looks you are attracted to.
Looks like you have missed the March WM two-for-one pricing on new Lewmar winches this year. Darn! I used that sale to upgrade our pair of housetop winches from 30ST (factory stock) to 40ST in 2018. I correctly repositioned some new clutches during the same upgrade. What model and year is your boat? Please put some basic info into an sig line; this helps others here to give more relevant info.

The larger ratio winches are, IMHO, a safety upgrade as well. Having a friend winch me up the mast for any reason was really a big "ask" with the old winches -- much easier now. That would also be important if you have to use your Lifesling (r) to lift a COB up and out of the sea. Check my blog on this site for a poor attempt to document this upgrade.
Regards,
Loren

 

[LWolf]

Thanks Loren!
I added my boat stats to my profile - 1979 Ericson 31-Independence.
And I am kicking myself about the 2 for 1 sale - seems too good to be true.
What did you do with your 30STs?

 

[Loren Beach]

What did you do with your 30STs?

I sold them -quickly- to another club member for $500. for the pair. I figured that getting the pair of new 40ST winches for about 1200. left me in a good position avoid undue greed which might cause further dents in what's left of my karma......