Mainsheet Winch

[Sir Rondo Normal]

I have just installed a new Harken mainsheet traveller with a 3:1 end boom purchase system. I was intending to run the sheet through a standing block, then a cheek block to one of my Barlow 28 non self tailing winches. I have since been reconsidering and am thinking I'd like to install a dedicated winch. I have a couple of old Lewmar 25's kicking around and I'm wondering if one of them would be adequate for use in this instance.
The mainsail is 367 square feet, on a Corbin 39.

Any thoughts? My old mainsheet system was only a 4:1 so this setup would probably still be better. I'd just hate to drill a bunch of holes in my brand new deck, needlessly.

Thanks

[roverhi]

Cranking in a main with a winch is slow process. Might think about going to a 6 part tackle or a two speed 3/6 or 4/8. Two speed system gives you the ability to pull lots of sheet quickly like when you jibe or light air with the power of 6 or 8 part tackle when needed. Garhauer makes reasonably priced 2 speed block systems.Garhauer Marine Hardware -8376840
Other suppliers may be a bit pricey but have 4/8 speed if you feel you need the additional purchases.

[Stumble]

Typically if you are using sheet winches on a main you don't need any more than a 2:1 purchase. Everything else is just needless line in the cockpit.

The size of the winch is really up to you. If you were able to hand trim the old system then your sheet loads couldn't be above 400lbs (100lbs x 4:1), so even a small winch will handle it at 1:1, at 2:1 you are even better.

[Sir Rondo Normal]

Ya that's what I was thinking too but when I set that little 25 in place it just looked really small and insignificant.
There's a 43 available on Craigslist right now but I can't justify spending that much money for what would be essentially nothing more than aesthetics and something bigger to watch my wife trip over.