Sailing Winches

Power your sail handling with quality sailing winches from Bosun's Locker. Our range includes self-tailing winches, manual and electric models, winch handles, and servicing parts designed for efficient line management and reliable performance. Sailors across Brisbane and SE Queensland depend on our winch selection for smooth operation, precise control, and the mechanical advantage needed to trim sails confidently in all conditions.

Sailing Winches: Quality You Can Trust
Bosun's Locker supplies premium sailing winches engineered for power, efficiency, and long-lasting reliability under demanding loads. Our collection features Harken Radial self-tailing winches with ball bearing construction, Lewmar Ocean series winches for cruising applications, Andersen manual and electric winches with composite drums, Barton stainless steel winches offering excellent value, and specialized halyard and sheet winches in various power ratios. Each winch incorporates precision-machined gears, corrosion-resistant materials, self-tailing jaws for single-handed operation, and robust pawl systems that prevent backwinding under load. We stock winches from size 6 to size 65, with power ratios from 6:1 for light sheets to 40:1 for primary halyards, ensuring appropriate mechanical advantage for every application. Gold Coast sailors trust our winches for their smooth cranking action, reliable holding power, and ability to deliver years of trouble-free service in harsh marine environments with proper maintenance.

Comprehensive Range of Sailing Winches: All Your Needs Covered
Our sailing winch selection covers every line handling requirement from club racers to offshore cruising yachts. Browse single-speed and two-speed manual winches, three-speed models for ultimate versatility, electric winches with remote and cockpit controls, captive reel winches for halyard applications, compact winches for smaller vessels, chrome-plated bronze and anodised aluminium finishes, winch bases and mounting pads, stainless steel winch handles in standard and locking configurations, winch handle pockets and holders, speed handles for racing, winch grease and servicing lubricants, plus complete service kits with pawls, springs, bearings, and seals. We carry replacement drums, stripper arms, pawl springs, roller bearings, and all components needed for routine maintenance and rebuilds. Our range ensures compatibility with existing deck layouts while offering upgrade paths for improved performance.

Expert Advice and Support: Your Boating Partner
Bosun's Locker serves as your dedicated winch specialist throughout the Tweed Coast, Gold Coast, and Brisbane sailing community. Our experienced team can help you calculate required winch power ratios based on sail areas and crew strength, recommend appropriate winch sizes for specific sheet and halyard applications, provide guidance on self-tailing versus standard models, and offer advice on servicing schedules and procedures. We understand that properly sized and maintained winches are essential for safe sail handling and crew comfort, particularly for shorthanded sailing and heavy weather conditions. Whether you're upgrading from undersized winches, adding electric power for convenience, performing annual servicing, or replacing worn components, our team provides expert technical support. Shop our sailing winch collection online today or contact us for personalised recommendations based on your yacht specifications and sailing style.

- Questions

How do I know what size winch I need for my boat?

Calculate based on sail area, sheet loads, and crew strength. Primary sheet winches typically need 30:1-40:1 power ratios for cruising yachts under 40 feet.

What's the advantage of self-tailing winches over standard winches?

Self-tailing winches grip the line automatically, allowing single-handed operation and freeing crew for other tasks during sail handling and trimming.

How often should sailing winches be serviced?

Service annually or every 100 operating hours. Rinse with fresh water after each sail, inspect pawls quarterly, and rebuild every 3-5 years depending on usage intensity.

Are electric winches worth the investment for cruising sailors on the Gold Coast?

Electric winches significantly reduce crew effort for headsail handling and make shorthanded sailing safer. Consider for vessels over 35 feet or for cruising couples.