Andersen Stainless Steel Winches for Sailing Yachts

Andersen is best known for stainless steel sailing winches designed for sheet, halyard and control line applications on monohulls and multihulls. The range covers compact one-speed winches for smaller boats through to larger two-speed self-tailing, electric and hydraulic winches for heavier sail handling loads.

A key feature of Andersen winches is the stainless steel drum with Power Rib™ profile. Instead of relying on an abrasive drum surface, the ribs create mechanical grip on the line while the polished stainless surface helps the rope turns move vertically as the drum rotates. This is intended to give controlled trimming and easing with reduced rope wear compared with rougher drum finishes.

Most Andersen self-tailing winches use 316 stainless steel in the drum and key external components, giving good corrosion resistance in the marine environment. The self-tailing jaws automatically accommodate a range of rope diameters, making these winches suitable for genoa sheets, mainsheets, halyards and control lines where one-person or short-handed operation is required.

Manual Andersen Self-Tailing Winches

Manual Andersen self-tailing winches are available in a broad size range, including popular models such as the 12ST, 18ST, 28ST, 34ST, 40ST, 46ST, 50ST and larger offshore sizes. Smaller models are commonly used on sportsboats, dayboats and smaller cruisers, while larger two-speed winches are specified for genoa sheets, mainsheet systems and heavily loaded halyards on bigger yachts.

When selecting a manual Andersen winch, the main factors are yacht size, sail area, displacement, rig type and the intended application. A primary genoa sheet winch will usually require more power than a halyard winch on the same boat, while multihulls and heavy displacement yachts often generate higher sheet loads than their LOA alone suggests. Always check Andersen/Ronstan data sheets for dimensions, power ratio, line size range, mounting footprint and service requirements before replacing an existing winch.

Andersen Electric Winches and Conversion Kits

Andersen electric winches are available for owners who want push-button sail handling without changing the basic deck layout. The range includes E1 single-speed electric winches, two-speed and three-speed electric systems, and Compact Motor™ electric winches with above-deck or below-deck motor configurations. Depending on model size, electric versions are available for 12V or 24V onboard electrical systems.

For many existing installations, an Andersen E1 electric conversion kit can be used to convert a manual self-tailing winch into an electric winch. Current Andersen self-tailing winches from 28ST to 72ST can be electrified with E1 conversion kits, and many older models can also be retrofitted depending on age and version. Manual operation remains available after conversion, which is important for redundancy if electrical power is unavailable.

Before ordering an electric Andersen winch or conversion kit, check deck thickness, below-deck clearance, motor orientation, cable routing, breaker specification and battery capacity. Electric winches impose high transient electrical loads, so correct installation is as important as selecting the correct winch size.

Andersen Winch Handles, Service Kits and Spare Parts

Andersen also supplies winch handles, push buttons, circuit breakers, grease, service kits and replacement parts. Winch service kit selection depends on winch size, age and version number, so the model alone is not always enough. For self-tailing winches, Andersen product manuals are determined by the winch product version number. For powered winches, the relevant manual also depends on the motor unit serial number.

Routine servicing should include cleaning, inspection of pawls and springs, lubrication of bearings and gears, and replacement of worn components where required. Under normal recreational use, Andersen recommends servicing approximately every two years, while heavily used cruising or racing winches may require more frequent inspection. Using the correct Andersen winch grease and service kit helps maintain pawl engagement, bearing efficiency and safe load handling.

Andersen Winch Service Kit Selection

Choosing Andersen Winches at Upffront

At Upffront, the Andersen range includes manual self-tailing winches, non self-tailing winches, electric winches, electric winch accessories, winch handles, service kits, winch parts and winch grease. Andersen is a strong option for yacht owners who prioritise stainless steel construction, controlled rope grip, serviceability and long-term spare-part support over the lowest possible deck hardware weight.

If you are replacing an existing winch, check the current model, mounting pattern, rope diameter, line lead angle and available deck space. If you are upgrading to electric, confirm whether your existing Andersen winch can be converted or whether a complete electric winch is the better solution.

Andersen Winches FAQ

What are Andersen winches made from?

Andersen winches are best known for stainless steel drum construction. Many self-tailing models use polished 316 stainless steel for the drum and key external components, providing good corrosion resistance for marine deck hardware.

What is Andersen Power Rib™?

Power Rib™ is the ribbed drum profile used on Andersen winches. The ribs help the winch grip the rope mechanically, while the polished stainless steel surface allows the loaded turns to move up the drum as it rotates. This is designed to provide controlled grip without relying on an abrasive drum finish.

Which Andersen winch size do I need?

Winch size depends on yacht length, sail area, rig type, displacement and the application. Genoa sheet winches normally require more power than halyard winches, while multihulls and heavy cruising yachts may need larger winches than a simple LOA-based guide suggests.

Can I convert a manual Andersen winch to electric?

Many Andersen manual self-tailing winches can be converted to electric. Current Andersen self-tailing winches from 28ST to 72ST can be electrified using E1 conversion kits, and some older models can also be retrofitted depending on the winch version.

What is the difference between Andersen E1 and Compact Motor™ electric winches?

E1 winches use a single-speed electric motor system for push-button hoisting and trimming. Compact Motor™ winches use an integrated compact motor, gearbox and controller and are available in above-deck or below-deck layouts, making them useful where installation space is limited.

Which Andersen winch service kit do I need?

The correct Andersen service kit depends on winch size, age and product version number. For powered winches, the motor unit serial number may also be required. Check the winch identification details before ordering service parts.

How often should Andersen winches be serviced?

Under normal recreational use, Andersen recommends servicing around every two years. Winches used for offshore cruising, charter work or racing should be inspected more frequently, especially if they are exposed to high loads, salt build-up or heavy use.

Are Andersen winches suitable for short-handed sailing?

Yes, Andersen self-tailing and electric winches are commonly specified for short-handed sailing because they reduce the amount of manual line handling required. Electric models are especially useful for hoisting mainsails, trimming large headsails and handling loaded control lines with reduced physical effort.