Sailboat Winches & Accessories

Sailboat Winches & Accessories — Power, Control & Precision for Every Sail

Sailboat winches from The Outdoor Warehouse deliver the power and mechanical advantage needed for confident sail handling. Whether you're cruising, racing, or outfitting for offshore conditions, our manual, self-tailing, electric, and hydraulic winches are built for performance and reliability.

Explore Harken, Lewmar, and Andersen winches alongside essential winch handles, covers, and maintenance parts — everything you need for a complete sailing setup.

Compare Sailboat Winch Types

Winch Type Best For Power Source Key Features
Manual Winch Small to midsize sailboats Hand-powered Lightweight, cost-effective, easy to maintain
Self-Tailing Winch Short-handed sailing Manual or Electric Automatically grips the line — reduces effort
Electric Winch Large cruisers & yachts Electric motor Push-button precision for heavy sail loads
Hydraulic Winch Racing & offshore yachts Hydraulic system Extreme torque, smooth high-load operation

Pro Tip

Upgrade your winch setup with a Harken locking winch handle for faster trimming or add winch covers to protect from salt and UV. Use marine winch grease to keep gears and bearings performing smoothly — clean and service every 6–12 months for optimal performance.

Winch Sizing, Maintenance & Accessories Guide

  • Winch Sizing: Match winch size to sail area — cruising boats typically use 30–46, performance yachts 50+.
  • Winch Handles: Choose standard, locking, or power-assisted handles for faster sail trim.
  • Winch Covers: Prevent saltwater and UV corrosion while moored or docked.
  • Maintenance & Grease: Use marine-grade winch grease for gears, and light oil for pawls. Avoid over-lubrication to prevent sticking.
  • Winch Servicing: Disassemble yearly for cleaning, replace winch parts like pawls and springs when worn.
  • Conversion Kits: Many Lewmar and Harken winches can convert from manual to electric operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right winch size for my sailboat?
Select a winch size that matches your sail area and line load. Cruisers typically use size 30–46, while racers opt for size 50+ for higher loads.
How often should I grease or service my winches?
Clean and lubricate winches every 6–12 months. Use marine-grade winch grease for gears and a light oil for pawls and springs.
Can I convert manual winches to electric?
Yes. Many Harken and Lewmar models support retrofit kits to upgrade manual winches to electric for easier sail handling.
Do winch covers really help?
Absolutely. Winch covers protect from corrosion, UV damage, and salt buildup, extending service life and reducing maintenance needs.

Why Buy Sailboat Winches from The Outdoor Warehouse?

  • Wide selection of manual, electric, self-tailing, and hydraulic winches.
  • Top brands: Harken, Lewmar, Andersen.
  • Includes winch handles, covers, grease, and replacement parts.
  • Expert service and fast U.S. shipping for marine hardware and sailing gear.

Shop Sailboat Winches & Accessories at The Outdoor Warehouse — premium marine hardware for precision sail control, easy maintenance, and lasting performance.