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Equipment testOne-hand winch cranks for quick changes

Michael Rinck

 · 14.12.2018

Equipment test: One-hand winch cranks for quick changesPhoto: YACHT/J. Kubica
One-hand winch cranks for quick changes
Convenient and quick operation, no more hooks: modern one-hand cranks are a gain. We tested four models. The test in PDF download

If one tack follows the next when tacking up a narrow fairway, every move has to be right. If the crew member on the fore sheet winch does not pull off the crank, and consequently the sheet cannot be released immediately and the genoa stands back, this costs valuable metres to windward - which can end in awkward situations in case of doubt.

Test under real conditions: Each crank had to prove itself in a practical test on boardPhoto: YACHT/J. Kubica Test under real conditions: Each crank had to prove itself in a practical test on board

With conventional winch cranks with the small switch for unlocking, this mishap can happen quickly: once the direction in which the lever has to be pushed with the thumb is confused or even slipped, and the manoeuvre fails. You can either use cranks without a safety catch - although they are easy to lose - or use one-hand winch cranks. These have a large lever that is easier to operate when using the crank.

We tested the models Speedylock from Antal, Carbo OneTouch from Harken, One-Touch from Lewmar and Quick-Lock from Ronstan.

A number of differences were noticed, some of which were due to the differences in the locking mechanisms. You can find out which crank worked best in YACHT 24/2018 - available in the DK shop, or you can download the test directly via the link below.

Downloads:

Winch cranks: One-hand cranks (pdf)

Michael Rinck

Michael Rinck

Redakteur Test & Technik

Michael Rinck war das Kind, das nach der Schule direkt aufs Wasser wollte – Segeltraining, Regatten, Hauptsache nass. Diese Vorliebe machte er zum Beruf: Erst als Segellehrer auf der Alster (während des Studiums), dann ab 2014 in der YACHT-Redaktion. Dort hat er im Bereich Test & Technik seine Berufung gefunden: Segelboote und Sicherheitsequipment testen. Was besonders bei Rettungswesten und MOB-Systemen bedeutet, dass er mehr Arbeitsstunden im Wasser treibend verbringt als die meisten Menschen im Büro sitzend. Höhepunkt: eine ganze Nacht in der Rettungsinsel auf der Ostsee. Seine Familie hat inzwischen durchgesetzt, dass Urlaubstörns auf der eigenen Fahrtenyacht deutlich trockener ablaufen.

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