orbit winch™ faqs 

Although the new Orbit Winches™ are the first Ronstan-branded winches, Ronstan has been producing winches for many years through the Andersen Stainless Steel Winches^® brand.

At this time, Orbit Winches™ are available in three sizes: 20ST, 30QT, and 40QT. The numerical values of winch sizes refer to the power ratio of the winch (an indication of mechanical advantage. Plans to expand the range with larger winches are already underway.

Power ratios are 18:1 for the 20ST (RA6201), 30:1 for the 30QT (RA6302), and 40:1 for the 40QT (RA6402).

The 20ST will accept 6mm-10mm lines, the 30QT and 40QT will accept 7mm-12mm lines.

The Orbit Winch™ range represents a considerable weight savings compared to others. This is a result of the design and factors such as a one-piece precision-cast aluminium centre stem, a hollowed stainless steel drive shaft, and a drum that is fully machined to remove unnecessary material.

Power Ribs™ are a proven design that provides superior line grip without being overly abrasive on the line. The surface finish and ribs minimise vertical friction and allow the loaded rope turns (or “wraps”) to travel easily up or down as the drum rotates, without the shuddering and excessive rope wear seen on winches that rely on a rough surface finish for grip. We have borrowed these well-known features from our Andersen winch range because there is nothing better for ensuring a controlled grip on the line at all times, whether trimming or easing.

Maximum working loads for Orbit Winches™ can be found on the Ronstan website, Quick Reference Guide, and product manuals.

The Orbit 30QT and 40QT models are delivered with Ronstan’s patented QuickTrim™ self-tailer. As delivered from the factory, they operate in the same way as a traditional two-speed self-tailing winch for tensioning, easing and casting off the rope. By enabling QuickTrim™ the user has the ability to easily and safely ease the line to make minor sail trim adjustments, without having to remove the winch handle, and without having to take the rope out of the self-tailer. It’s a nice convenience when cruising, and once you have tried it you’ll agree that it’s a must-have essential for racing sailors looking for every advantage in situations that require frequent attention to sail trim.

Yes! Currently, the 30QT and 40QT are both available in an E1, single-speed electric configuration.

Yes, electric conversion kits are available for both 30QT and 40QT winches. Conversion kits include everything required to convert a manual Orbit Winch™ to electric, including the push button. Refer to the website for further details.

The Orbit 30QT and 40QT models are delivered with Ronstan’s patented QuickTrim™ self-tailer. As delivered from the factory, they operate in the same way as a traditional two-speed self-tailing winch for tensioning, easing, and casting off the rope. By enabling QuickTrim™ the user has the ability to easily and safely ease the line to make minor sail trim adjustments, without having to remove the winch handle, and without having to take the rope out of the self-tailer. It’s a nice convenience when cruising, and once you have tried it, you'll agree that it's a must-have essential for racing sailors looking for every advantage in situations that require frequent adjustments to sail trim.

Rotating the top cover of the winch anti-clockwise against spring pressure allows the self tailer to turn beneath it like a sheave as the rope is eased out, with smooth grip and control assured by the drum surface and Power Ribs™. When the top cover is allowed to spring back, the self-tailer locks again and grips the line to resume normal use. Racing sailors can react and respond instantly to minor course corrections and changes in wind pressure and direction, providing a unique advantage when frequent sail trim adjustments are required. Watch the video for further information on using QuickTrim™.

We recommend a complete servicing (dismantle, clean, and lubricate) once every 2 years. Under extensive use such as racing, charter or blue water sailing, an additional inspection and lubrication of the winch once a year is advisable.

QuickTrim™ is easily enabled by removing a single screw from beneath the top cap. Step-by-step instructions are included in the Quick Reference Guide supplied with every winch or in the online product manuals found in the Support section of the Ronstan website, or watch the video that shows how to enable QuickTrim™.

For assistance in selecting the most appropriate winch for your application, check the Winch Selection Guide in the Support section of the Ronstan website, or contact your local Ronstan distributor.

Yes, if you try it out and decide QuickTrim™ is not for you, it can easily be disabled and returned to the original factory settings by replacing the screw that you removed earlier. It can be secured in any of the three countersunk holes available for this purpose. In our experience, most users will never go back after enjoying the intuitive functionality and practical advantages QuickTrim™ provides.

Winches equipped with QuickTrim™ are indicated by part numbers with the “QT” suffix. Currently, the 30QT and the 40QT sizes are both equipped with QuickTrim™, however the smaller 20ST does not have a QuickTrim™ self-tailer.

Pull back on the spring-loaded release latch and rotate the self-tailing arm anti-clockwise until it can be lifted from the winch. The drum can then be lifted from the stem. Refer to the Quick Reference Guide that came with your winch. For more detail, read the online product manuals found in the Support section of the Ronstan website or watch the video.

For detailed servicing information, refer to the online product manuals found in the Support section of the Ronstan website or watch the “How-To” video.For detailed servicing information, refer to the online product manuals found in the Support section of the Ronstan website or watch the “How-To” video.

We recommend a complete servicing (dismantle, clean, and lubricate) once every two years. Under extensive use such as racing, charter, or blue water sailing, an additional inspection and lubrication of the winch once per year is advisable.

No tools are required. To assist with servicing the winch, you’ll want to have a bucket, rags, and mineral spirits for cleaning, as well as a small brush and a tube of Andersen Winch Grease on hand.

Yes, spare parts are available from any chandlery or web store that offers Ronstan products or from your local Ronstan distributor. A service kit containing 8 pawls and 16 springs is available and can be ordered using part number RA710052. The springs and cold-pressed stainless pawls are the same as are used in Andersen Stainless Steel Winches^®.

A light oil or a very light film of Andersen Winch Grease (no other type of grease) is suitable for lubricating winch pawls and springs.

Fastener specifications may be found in the Quick Reference Guide supplied with every Orbit Winch™. For more details, see also the online product manuals found in the Support section of the Ronstan website.

It’s not necessary but, as with any equipment in a marine environment, fitting a cover when the winch is not used for an extended period can protect against exposure to UV, dust, and atmospheric elements.

For assistance in selecting the most appropriate winch for your application, check the Winch Selection Guide in the Support section of the Ronstan website or contact your local Ronstan distributor.

Contact any chandlery or web store that offers Ronstan products, or your local Ronstan distributor.

In most cases, yes. While it’s unlikely that the existing mounting hole positions will suit your new Orbit Winches™, installation is quite straightforward. You may choose to do it yourself or seek assistance from a local rigger or boatyard.

Ronstan proudly and confidently stands by every product we manufacture – and Orbit Winches™ are no exception. Our standard warranty policy applies to the full range of Orbit Winches™, covering a period of three years from original date of purchase. Full warranty details can be found here.