Ronstan have just launched an all new range of Aluminium Self-tailing Orbit Winches in 3 sizes plus an innovative new QuickTrim feature which allows the line to be eased without removing the handle or the line from the self-tailer. In this blog we highlight the main features and benefits of this exciting new sailing winch range which has been 4 years in the making.
Key Features
Ronstan Orbit Winches have drawn on the success of Andersen for their drum and gear design. Andersen have a strong reputation for durability and reliability and their Power Rib drum design ensures controlled grip at all times, smooth release of the line under the highest loads, whilst minimizing abrasion on the line.
The winches have an aluminium central stem and a machined aluminium drum, which makes them significantly lighter than the competition. For example, the Ronstan Orbit Winch 40 weighs 700g lighter than Harkens Performa 40 racing winch - see comparison here. The winches all have very low line entry heights plus an extra set of ball bearings which carry the thrust loads whilst the radial bearings the radial load, which minimizes rotational friction.
The range currently consists of 3 sizes: 20, 30, and 40 for boats up to 12m (however we anticipate more sizes will be added to the range over the coming years). The size 20 is a standard 1-speed self-tailing drum but the 2-speed 30 and 40 sizes feature an all-new, patented, QuickTrim function.
QuickTrim
QuickTrim allows the release of the line without removing the line from the self-tailer, or the winch handle from the drum. This means it is perfect for small sail trim adjustments, enabling sailors to respond instantaneously to small changes in wind speed and direction.
With one hand on the sheet you can rotate the upper plate of the self-tailing jaw anti-clockwise, against spring pressure, which releases the bottom jaw to rotate, and the line to ease out through the self-tailing system. When the top cover is allowed to spring back, it locks the line securely again in the self-tailer.
From the factory the Orbit 30QT and 40QT are delivered as a standard self-tailing drum, however the QuickTrim feature can be enabled by the user by removing a single screw on the self-tailer (full operating instructions included).
Easy Servicing - No Tools required
Another key feature of this range is that the winch can be fully disassembled and serviced without the need for any tools. There is a spring-loaded release latch which, in combination with a slight anticlockwise rotation, allows the self-tailing arm to be lifted from the winch, and then the drum from the stem. This functional locking mechanism also means the self-tailing arm can be fitted back on the drum in any one of 8 positions on the drum (every 45 degrees).
Summary
This product launch has been kept extremely quiet and has been a long time in the making. Ronstan have taken everything they have learned with their extremely popular Andersen cruising stainless steel winches and combined that with their extensive deck hardware development experience, to produce a ground-breaking new range of winches. They are clearly making a statement of intent for the 30-40ft race boat market with this light, strong, functional and competitively priced product.
If you have any questions about Ronstan Orbit Winches you can contact us at support@upffront.com or browse the range online on the link below:
