British or Chinese?

[Retired in Crete]

I want to buy an electric anchor winch and have the choice of two.

One is a "Mariner" brand which, I am told, is made by Lewmar in the UK and has a 500 watt motor.

The other is not branded and made in China but has a 900 watt motor.

Both have a two year guarantee and, apart from the bigger more powerful motor on the Chinese one, look almost identical. There is almost no difference in the price.

Which would you buy?

John

[Tranona]

Neither. I would buy a Lofrans as first choice based on my own experience.

BTW 500w is very small and 900w would be overkill if you consider 500 adequate for your boat.

[neale]

If 500w is adequate I would go for the Lewmar model. If the non-branded one was considerably cheaper I might take a punt, but at the same price I wouldn't bother.

[Retired in Crete]

Thanks for the v quick reply.

I forgot to say that both are advertised as suitable for a 25-30 ft boat. (I have a 29ft Beneteau)

John

[neale]

I have a 300w on my 25ft boat and it copes just fine. 500w should be ok for a 29fter.

[Bosun Higgs]

Neither. I would buy a Lofrans as first choice based on my own experience.

BTW 500w is very small and 900w would be overkill if you consider 500 adequate for your boat.

The wattage is relevant only to the time it takes to lift the anchor and chain - you could lift your anchor with a one watt motor if it were geared appropriately.

Personally I would buy the Lewmar. If we Brits wont buy British goods, why should we expect anyone else to do so?

[Lakesailor]

Also keep the profit and salaries in the UK (even if they are imported, the major part of the revenue will keep UK Plc going)

[2Tizwoz]

The power ratings are no doubt the electrical consumption rather than the horsepower output.

How efficient is the Chinese model?

[Bosun Higgs]

The power ratings are no doubt the electrical consumption rather than the horsepower output.

True but in something so simple there wont be a bit loss between input and output. If there were you would soon feel the unit getting hot.