I have to be a contrarian... I have seen numerous ideas for electrifying the winches. Some more reasonable than others.
I can imagine that some of them might be helpful in real life. Others? I am afraid, not so much. I am in a retirement age, but I'd rather crank my winch manually than try handling a big honking angle driver (3-5 lb) with an adapter, especially, if it is in anger (any seaway, wind etc.). The eWincher that someone mentioned seems to be better than many. I don't see much point in adjusting the sails using these devices. I can imagine, if you are hoisting a big main, it might offer some advantage, but even then, I would spend the money on improving the track and cars, rather than on the electric assist. I also don't believe in hoisting anyone on the mast using any kind of winch. I, occasionally, climb the mast without any outside assistance, but if I can get help, I still climb and use the winch/clutch as the belaying device (a child can crank it; there is no load on that line). I can, though, imagine that someone with serious physical limitations (injuries, illness) could benefit from using such devices. I hope I did not touch some hot button here. Marek
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