What if the winch handle becomes intelligent? eWincher has developed a winch handle with electrical assistance. It's a bit like an electric bicycle: it works like a conventional crank, but can, depending on the user's needs, help him in his movements or completely replace him.
Personally, the electric crank, I didn't really believe in it. Yet another accessory that we are advised to take on board without really perceiving its usefulness. On my boat, I already have well-dimensioned winches which sometimes require me to push a bit, but I manage with them.
But when I tried an eWincher crank, I changed my mind. Indeed, my boat and my winches remain the same, always efficient, but the electric crank helps me in long and repetitive manoeuvres.
A mastered assistance
The interest of the eWincher lies in its progressive trigger. Once the crank is engaged on the winch, the assistance can be varied by pressing the trigger more or less. This way you can use the eWincher without even having to engage support. You will then have a classic crank handle in your hand. By continuing to turn the crank, you can engage the electric power assist. You will then have "double" strength and speed. Finally, if you don't want to exert yourself physically, just hold the crank and engage the assistance. In this third case, only the electrical assistance works.
The assurance of not breaking everything
When motorizing maneuvers, you risk losing sensation. A rope jams, a sail gets stuck and the electric motor continues its work without realizing it. This is often the case if an electric winch is used. Above all, it is important to make sure that the manoeuvre is carried out correctly.
With the eWincher, the feeling of effort is retained. In fact, you're the one blocking the crank. You're the one holding it. If it forces too hard, you will feel resistance that will make you want to let go of the trigger before making the problem worse.
Plug and play
Once on board, the eWincher is ready for operation. Whatever the sailboat or winch. The eWincher can be installed on all winches. Only one crank on board and all winches, whether at the mast foot, piano or sheeting, can be used with this crank.
With its integrated battery, the crank has a very long autonomy. The manufacturer announces on a 40-foot cruising sailboat that the battery allows the mainsail to be hoisted 3 times and to perform 30 successive tacks! Plenty to spend a day at sea on a cruise. And for recharging, this crank recharges in 1h30 in 12 or 220 V.
At what cost?
The complete crank (battery, charger and covers) is available at 2600 euros (price 2018). It's still cheaper than a single electric winch, even though it allows you to work on all the winches on board..
