Whether you’re a novice sailor or someone who has grown up around boats, you’ll know that sailing a boat isn’t just as simple as steering it, but actually involves a lot of physical and mental work. From trimming the mainsail to mooring your boat, much needs to be done to sail safely and effectively – not to mention the weather very much determines your journey and tasks whilst sailing.
With bigger boats especially, this often requires more muscle on board, so that there is a large enough crew to perform all the necessary tasks at a moment’s notice. Thankfully, however, electric boat winches make it much easier to perform any task onboard, regardless of the size, strength or physical condition of the crew.
If you’ve not yet invested in an electric winch for your boat, then read on below as we tell you the basics you need to know.
What is an Electric Boat Winch?
Firstly, let us start by describing in simple terms what a winch itself is; a winch is a mechanism that is used to reel in, let out or adjust the tension of a rope, cable or wire. An electric boat winch, then, is used in this way to handle halyards and sheets, as well as anchors and mooring lines, rather than these needing to be operated manually.
How Do They Work?
As the name suggests, electric winches are operated using electricity. When turned on, electricity rotates a spherical component known as the drum inside the winch, which either coils or uncoils the wire, rope or cable that is attached to it. The rope or cable that is attached to the drum will be the same that is attached to the necessary parts of the boat, so that they can be hoisted or moved with ease by simply turning on the winch.
Often, these winches will come with two speeds, allowing for fast operation or slower, more controlled operation depending on the weather conditions. Though electrically powered, they also have the option to be manually operated. This is especially useful should the battery inside the winch run out and need charging whilst you’re out on the water, since you will be able to insert the winch handle (which will automatically disconnect the electric motor) and use the winch manually – again, at either speed setting.
Winch Specialists
If you are looking for an electric winch for your boat, then look no further than us here at Atlas Winch Hire & Hoist Services, not only are we experts in everything winch and hoist related, but we offer numerous electric winch solutions to suit your needs.
Whether you’re looking for a small electric winch for your sailboat or yacht, or are in need of mooring equipment, such as an anchor for a large ship, then we’ve got you covered.
Get in touch with us today by emailing us at info@winhhire.com or telephoning us on 01899 221 577 to discuss the solutions we can offer you.
