Pedestal powered winches

[Henry K]

Hello. This is my first post here, so let's go. In Volvo Ocean Race boats, supermaxi sailboat Comanche etc. there are these "grinding" pedestals. My question is: why similar pedestals are not used on a cruising sailboats? Is it because of the cost? Or complexity?

[Rucksta]

Cost & complexity are factors.
Cockpit size and available crew (3 to bring in a genoa sheet) are also factors.
The drive from the pedestal is directed to multiple winch drums with the below deck drive shafts taking up more room limiting accommodation layout.
Big boats, big crews and spartan accommodation is not part of the cruising dream -especially when powered winches are so readily available to ease the workload short handed.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Henry.

[Henry K]

Thanks for the answer. Obviously no one will never put "coffee grinders" on anything below 60 ft. As for anything above 70+ ft, we shall see...

[Henry K]

Hello and thanks.