Lewmar 43 winch replacement

[MikeBravo556]

For a variety of reasons I am looking to replace my late 70s vintage Lewmar 43 2-speed winches with a pair of Lewmar self-tailers. I am worried the 40 is too small and the 45 is a lot more money.

I am about to convert from wire/rope splaiced halyard to all rope. Thinking about 1/2 which I believe will fit the 40.

Recommendations? Right now I'm thinking about just buying the 40s and being done with it. Could also use some recommendations for the barient 22's I cant get parts for.

[deluxe68]

Originally Posted by MikeBravo556

For a variety of reasons I am looking to replace my late 70s vintage Lewmar 43 2-speed winches with a pair of Lewmar self-tailers. I am worried the 40 is too small and the 45 is a lot more money.

I am about to convert from wire/rope splaiced halyard to all rope. Thinking about 1/2 which I believe will fit the 40.

Recommendations? Right now I'm thinking about just buying the 40s and being done with it. Could also use some recommendations for the barient 22's I cant get parts for.

For another week or so West Marine has a 2 for 1 sale on Lewmar winches.

After tax, two 45’s will cost about $800 each.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/lewma...onze--11857711

Per the Lewmar web site the 40’s will take 8-12mm line, the 45’s will take 8-14mm.

[roverhi]

I switched from Lewmar 40's to 43's in my Pearson 35. Was a major improvement in cranking the 135% Genoa in. If you are happy with the 43's on your boat now wouldn't think about downsizing to a 40. Maybe if you or your crew are 20 something body builders it would be okay but not for the average person. The deal from West Marine is pretty damn good. You'll pay $1,000 to $1,200 for a pair of used Lewmar 44's on eBay.

Unless you need a 1/2" halyard for strength which is doubtful if you are going a 45 winch would stick with 3/8" or 7/16". The bulk of 1/2" is considerably more than smaller sizes and could be a pain to stow. I got a deal on 7/16" exotic for my main halyard so swapped out the 3/8" that I'd been using. Regret doing it as the 3/8" was much easier to deal with.