Anderson versus Lewmar winches

[Jo Chamberlain]

Is there any difference in quality between Anderson and Lewmar winches. We are looking to replace 20 year old non-self-tailing winches on our CD33 with new self-tailing 40s. Our friend who does much of the maintenance we are unable to do ourselves was not familiar with Anderson and recommended Lewmar becuase of the availability of parts and service.



jchamber@kaballero.com

[Don Carr]

Anderson is equal to or better in quality to Lewmar. Many world class production boats are using Anderson winches as standard equipment. Frankly how many times have you had to buy parts for your Lewmars or whatever you are replacing. The Anderson winches are all stainless steel as opposed to aluminum/bronze/stainless combos found in many production winches. I think Larry De Mers of this board has finally odered the winches and once he gets a hold of it he will confirm what I am saying.
You probably can't go wrong with Lewmar or Anderson its just that my experience with the unique barrel of vertical line checks makes the Anderson a better winch from a pure sailing operations standpoint.

IMHO



carrds@us.ibm.com

[Warren Kaplan]

Is there any difference in quality between Anderson and Lewmar winches. We are looking to replace 20 year old non-self-tailing winches on our CD33 with new self-tailing 40s. Our friend who does much of the maintenance we are unable to do ourselves was not familiar with Anderson and recommended Lewmar becuase of the availability of parts and service.

Practical Sailor (last year I believe) gave the nod to Andersen but just by a hair. I myself replaced the two old standard Lewmar 7s that were original equipment on my 1980 CD27 with two brand new Lewmar 16ST self tailers for genoa winches. What a difference and they work great. Having said that I just ordered an Andersen 12ST for a cabin top winch (running some lines aft from the mast to the cockpit) more because of price. The Andersens seem to be less expensive. Also I don't need all the power of a 16 winch for this. A 12 will suffice nicely. Smaller winch. Smaller price. My feeling is that if you keep up with the maintenance, not very much to do, either will serve you very well. I really can't comment about "factory support" as I haven't had to use it yet. Hope this helps a little.

Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27



Setsail728@aol.com

[Larry DeMers]

I should have two 28ST's in my hands next Tuesday. In case you missed the other thread on Anderson Winches, they are on sale for half price now, plus a trade in refund to boot. It drops the cost from $709 list per winch, down to $289.50.
Last weekend, I had the chance to feel an Anderson over at West Marine, and I am impressed with their fit and finish and the feel of the drum when it rotates. Very smooth and precise. They just look like a well designed product should look. I'll disassemble one when I get it and see what the insides look like, compared to the Lewmars, which I have repaired and greased forever.


Larry DeMers

Anderson is equal to or better in quality to Lewmar. Many world class production boats are using Anderson winches as standard equipment. Frankly how many times have you had to buy parts for your Lewmars or whatever you are replacing. The Anderson winches are all stainless steel as opposed to aluminum/bronze/stainless combos found in many production winches. I think Larry De Mers of this board has finally odered the winches and once he gets a hold of it he will confirm what I am saying.
You probably can't go wrong with Lewmar or Anderson its just that my experience with the unique barrel of vertical line checks makes the Anderson a better winch from a pure sailing operations standpoint.

IMHO

demers@sgi.com

[John R.]

Is there any difference in quality between Anderson and Lewmar winches. We are looking to replace 20 year old non-self-tailing winches on our CD33 with new self-tailing 40s. Our friend who does much of the maintenance we are unable to do ourselves was not familiar with Anderson and recommended Lewmar becuase of the availability of parts and service.

Practical Sailor (last year I believe) gave the nod to Andersen but just by a hair. I myself replaced the two old standard Lewmar 7s that were original equipment on my 1980 CD27 with two brand new Lewmar 16ST self tailers for genoa winches. What a difference and they work great. Having said that I just ordered an Andersen 12ST for a cabin top winch (running some lines aft from the mast to the cockpit) more because of price. The Andersens seem to be less expensive. Also I don't need all the power of a 16 winch for this. A 12 will suffice nicely. Smaller winch. Smaller price. My feeling is that if you keep up with the maintenance, not very much to do, either will serve you very well. I really can't comment about "factory support" as I haven't had to use it yet. Hope this helps a little.

Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27

I have the Lewmar ST30's (bronze version) on our CD30. Andersens look like nice gear but we all know the reputation of Lewmars and their factory and distributor support and parts availability is second to none, at least here in Florida. The Andersens have the unique drum gripping ribs and they seem impressive but I wonder if they are really of any great benefit. I have no problem with sheet slippage at all on the Lewmar's. The solid bronze drum looks great with the traditional look of the CD hardware. The winches themselves have never been any problem what so ever.

I'm sure the Andersens would perform respectably. I would be concerned about potential rusting, corrosion or crevice corrosion up under the stainless drum from exposure to salt water where it doesn't get a good freshwater flush or rinsing. I don't know what metals are used inside the Andersens but I would check it out before purchasing any.

Their prices are falling so they are attractive from a price point of view but price isn't everything to consider.

Someone mentioned they are popular winches on world production boats these days. I offer the explanation that they appear on those boats because of cost more so than for any other reason. Cost is a huge factor when components are chosen for production boats. Their use is not a reflection of them necessarily being a better winch, most likely just a lower cost winch at the time of procurement.

try to get a side by side comparison of the lewmar and Andersen of your choice. Don't forget Harken in all this.......they make some great winches.

[John Nuttall]

.....their Wavegrip (TM) line handler?

I read somewhere that the plastic surfaces wear out and there is a loss of line grip. I wonder why they put a plastic part on an all bronze winch?

They sure do look good.....

John
s/v Aimless
CD31

[John R.]

I haven't had any problem with the line grabbers. I believe the glass reinforced plastic (nylon or poly?)line grippers are used for precisely one reason.......better grip. Also probably because if and when they do wear they can be easily replaced.

One problem with any glass filled plastic in the sun is that UV can eventually deteriorate the surfaces of it. I keep mine covered when they are not in use so that I'm sure adds longevity.

.....their Wavegrip (TM) line handler?

I read somewhere that the plastic surfaces wear out and there is a loss of line grip. I wonder why they put a plastic part on an all bronze winch?

They sure do look good.....

John
s/v Aimless
CD31