Winches, Handles & Spares

Our Winches, Handles & Spares range covers deck winches, winch handles and replacement parts (pawls, springs, drums) for sailing boats – the hardware that lets you trim sheets and halyards under load without brute force.

Winch size is rated by power ratio, not physical size alone, and should match the loads your boat’s sheets and halyards actually see – an undersized winch makes trimming a struggle in a breeze, while an oversized one adds unnecessary weight and cost. Self-tailing winches grip the line automatically so one person can grind and tail at once; non-self-tailing winches need a second pair of hands or a cleat to hold the line while winding, and suit smaller boats or simpler setups. Winch handles come in different lengths and with or without a locking mechanism – a locking handle won’t fall out mid-tack, worth having for offshore or shorthanded sailing.

Keep spare pawls and springs aboard if you’re cruising any distance from a chandlery: these small parts wear from grit and salt and are the most common cause of a winch failing to hold load, and are usually a quick fix once you have the part in hand.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know what size winch I need?

Match the winch’s power ratio to the loads your sheets and halyards see, which depends on sail area and boat size – if in doubt, ask us with your boat’s details rather than guessing.

Self-tailing or non-self-tailing winch?

Self-tailing lets one person grind and tail a line at once, which suits most cruising boats; non-self-tailing needs a second pair of hands or a cleat, and suits smaller or simpler setups.

Why has my winch stopped holding load?

Usually worn or gritty pawls and springs inside the drum – a common wear part that’s a straightforward fix with the right spares.