good news is my new sails are heaps more powerfull, and are capable of windward work
bad news the 65mm ratchet winches don't cut it anymore, so it's time to upgrade.
Main sail handling is sorta ok but the headsail needs more.
furling jib is just over 22m2 and the foot a bit over 5m. So not a big sail and I don't race owing to lack of slow boats to race.
so I'm looking at single speed self tailers, Andersen, harken and Hutton,all make a job that I think would suit and the price is within a few bucks of each other,and the gear ratio likewise with the Hutton a tad more ballsy.
I'd like to buy the Aussie job, is there any compelling reason why I shouldn't ?
I don't think it makes any difference but I should add that the windward winch will occasionally be employed by the runners
cheers

If you are replacing winches on a cruising yacht, I believe Andersens are the only way to go.

Andersens

A single speed update - whichever brand one choses - would be regrettable when the two speed version is available.
This is not the place to save!

I had eight winches on the boat and was cursing the tight-arsed ex owner who replaced the halyards winches with a single speed winch, saving a few bobs. The animal.

LooseChange said..
www.huttonwinches.com/products/winch/prices

Based in Sydney, Australian prices and readily available spares. I have dealt with Allen Hutton and found him to be a gent when I needed spares for my Barient/Barlow winches. No other affiliation than being a happy customer.

+1
great to deal with in every respect. Thoroughly recommended.