Harken Performa winches to feature on new Class 40 yacht
by Daniel Johnston on 16 Nov 2011
Equilibrium, features a full Harken winch package seen here competing in the 2011 Coastal Classic Richard Gladwell
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The latest in the line of Class 40 racing yachts is well on its way to completion at Hakes Marine in Wellington and will feature the latest in a new line of winches from hardware specialist Harken.
The Harken Performa is based on the popular Harken Radial winch which has quickly gained a reputation as an efficient and lightweight option for the racer/cruiser.
Designed in a range of sizes to suit yachts from 9m – 15m the new winch caters to the strenuous demands placed on hardware by the high performance race boat market.
According to Harken Italy’s Engineering Manager Michele Cazzaro 'Performa winches offer a solution for teams when carbon fibre performance is beyond budget requirements or winches are needed in a smaller size.' ' The Performa builds on the research that went into the Radial (winch) line but is optimized for the high-strength fibres you now see on sport boats and performance cruisers.'
The use of high-tech smaller diameter lines by semi or fully professional crew combined with the need to maximise grip and improve efficiency has been responded to with three major improvements. The Performa’s lightweight aluminium drum has been sandblasted to ensure that the rope has a large surface area to adhere to. Internal load carrying gears, pins and pawls are made from 17-4PH stainless steel to manage the high loads placed on the internal components by new high performance sails, and the addition of composite thrust bearings improves efficiency by allowing the drum to spin easily under lighter loads.
Performa winches are available in two speeds in sizes 40, 46, and 50, and in two or three speeds in size 60. The new line features a stripper arm that completely covers the winch top to prevent fingers and clothing from catching in rotating parts and has been designed for easy maintenance.
To see the latest in performance winches contact Harken New Zealand's Technical Manager Grant Blewett grantb@harken.com or call 0508 367 837
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