Electric Winch Suggestions?

[Achernome]

I am considering installing Electric winches (2) on our 48 ft center cockpit Ketch. My thoughts are to place them on the cabin top on either side of the companionway to run Jib Sheets from their present winches to the Electrics as well as adding a mainsheet spinlock and lengthening the roller furling lines to control those lines. My concerns are:

1. What brand of winch to buy.

2. What Size (my sheet winches are lewmar 55 st. All others are Lewmar 40st.

3. Thoughts on using the Electric to "pull" lines already set on another winch.

Thank you all for your thoughts

[benkay]

How old are your Lewmar winches? If newer than about 1992 then you can probably add electric drive to them via an upgrade kit.

[jamhass]

Your choice might also depend on the space available under the mounting area for the motor and connections. Some winches hang the motor under the winch, others have the motor "topsides".