Ronstan launches first range of winches

Australia-based sailboat hardware manufacturer Ronstan has launched Orbit, its first ever range of winches.

Ronstan’s Orbit winches are made of aluminium and are available in sizes 20ST, 30QT, and 40QT.

Ronstan, which has experience manufacturing Andersen stainless steel winches, says the new Orbit winches were ‘developed from the deck up with a different set of priorities and an eye for innovation.’

Orbit winches are said to require no tools for disassembly and maintenance. With fully machined aluminium drums and efficient gearing, they are said to weigh less and offer lower line entry heights than other winches in their class. The drum’s smooth surface finish and Power Ribs features borrow from Andersen winches to offer improved line grip and control with minimal rope wear.

Orbit Winches sizes 30QT and larger are equipped with the QuickTrim self-tailer, said to allow sailors to easily and safely ease line tension to make minor sail trim adjustments without removing the winch handle or taking the line out of the self-tailer.

A small anti-clockwise rotation of the self-tailing cover allows the self-tailer to turn beneath it like a sheave as the rope is eased, with confident grip and control assured by the drum’s smooth surface and Power Ribs. Ronstan says letting the top cover spring back into place locks the self-tailer again to resume normal use.