Chrome Vs. Aluminum Winches
A winch is a mechanical device often found on a sailboat. It has a turning mechanism that winds rope around a spindle. An important component of sailing, a winch helps maintain tension in a sailboat's line and assists with turning the boat. Deciding whether chrome or aluminum winches are better for your boat begins with determining your frequency of sailing and the type of sailing you do. The size of your sailboat is also a determining factor.
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Chrome
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A chrome winch starts out bronze and is cast with a chrome plating. Many sailors find these types of winches preferable to aluminum due to weight. A chrome winch is significantly heaver than an aluminum winch. Consumers with sail boats greater than 20 feet in length may need to use heaver winches due to having larger lines.
Aluminum
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Aluminum winches are much lighter than chrome winches. They are easier to keep clean. An aluminum winch is usually easy to maintain and keep in working condition. Aluminum winches are significantly less expensive than chrome winches.
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Comparisons
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Chrome winches tend to last longer than aluminum winches, although aluminum has been known to last for 20 to 30 years when serviced and maintained regularly. If you race your sailboat, then chrome winches are preferable to aluminum. They help to produce sharper lines and flawless turns.
Electric and Hydraulic
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Barients, Lewmar, Harkens and Anderson are four of the best brands of winches on the market today. The traditional winches are manual, operated by a turning the handle on the winch. According to sailboat-winch.com, there are electric and hydraulic winches. An electric, self-tailing winch can be powered at the push of a button. A hydraulic winch allows for short-handed sailing and is only for sailboats over 15 meters long. Both electric and hydraulic winches come in chrome and aluminum.
Suggestions
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Look at the type of winches you will need for the type of sailing you do. Chrome winches are generally more expensive than aluminum winches, however the investment may be worth it if you sail regularly or if your race your boat. On the other hand, aluminum winches will also last many years with proper care and maintenance. Chrome hydraulic winches tend to be the best option for avid sailors. These winches combine the convenience of electric winches with the increased power of hydraulic technology. These are silent winches that require minimal space and operate with a push button rather than a turning handle. Pricing ranges from $35 to $75, depending on the brand.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit winches image by mercedes navarro from Fotolia.com
