Regardless of whether you are a leading race team or an avid cruiser, we can all agree that the trusted winch handle has a regular and leading role to play.
Here we look at what the key elements are that make a great winch handle through the eyes of the Ball Marine design team.
Materials
We started by matching materials and composites to purpose. Instead of focusing on a low production cost option, we emphasize what is capable of doing the greatest job. A winch handle needs to be light but able of generating huge power, plus it needs to endure extreme elements (high UV, plenty of salt water and determined crew members) over the long term. It needs to be friendly to deck surfaces and in our option, it needs to look amazing to earn its place on our customers suburb crafts.
Carbon fiber is composed of carbon atoms which are bonded together to form a long chain. The fibers are extremely stiff, strong, and light. This composite is used heavily on leading Formula 1 race cars and race yachts, is the leading material when seeking strength, stiffness and low weight – so is perfectly suited for a winch handle’s main shaft.
Titanium is a lightweight, high-strength, low-corrosion structural metal and is used to form parts in high-speed aircrafts. It is also very compatible with carbon fiber, which not all metals are. So titanium is ideal for internal non-moving winch handle parts, such as the winch socket, release trigger and other fixed internal components.
316 Stainless Steel has an important role to play for items such as ball bearings. 304 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel while 316 stainless steel contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum. The molybdenum is added to help resist corrosion to chlorides, such as sea water.
Length
Winch handles generally come in two standard sizes, an 8-inch (203mm) for speed and 10-inch (254mm) for power. Most would opt for the longer 10-inch unless rotation space is restricted on the vessel, as is it generates more leverage and therefore more power.
Handle grip
There are a number of handle types and grips across different brands and this seems to have moved towards a personal preference rather than a science.
The Ball Marine team did a lot of research into what enabled users to generate and sustain the most power over time. To harness the power of the full body when grinding, a two-piece handle allows one arm emphasis speed and the second to generate additional power when required. Therefore a rotating top piece was added to the winch handle design allowing the palm to be firmly planted for additional power.
Our research with leading yacht racers supports this is the best design for speed, power and endurance.
Locks
A winch handle that doesn’t securely lock into place when mounted on a winch is a hazard. However a winch handle that doesn’t quickly and easily release from a winch handle – or is too difficult to mount - loses races.
Our design team was briefed with putting the release trigger where it instinctively belongs, allowing single hand function and powerful but simple compression for release.
Design
When it comes to sailing, functionality is not enough. Fortunately, leading products like carbon fiber and titanium are not only extremely functional – but can also be presented in immaculate finishes.
There is no reason why a winch handle should be an eye-sore on an otherwise beautiful craft.
Usability
When design and materials are harmonized, usability is the natural outcome. A winch handle needs to be intuitive to use, a best friend to all winches, reliable and able to generate superior speed and power. It should feel like a natural extension between the user and the winch.
Strength and durability
Winch handles are cursed with a hard life. They are thrown about, used as bottle openers, exposed to high UV, drenched in salt water, lent on - pulled – hammered - pushed and often thrown into lockers with various other sharp and solid items. So fair to say, durability needs to be high up the list when making your selection.
We hope this guide has been helpful, Feel free to reach out to the Ball Marine team at anytime with questions or suggestions.
View the Ball Marine Winch Handle Range
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