Unlock Smooth, Effortless Sail Handling with the Lewmar 46AST
Imagine trimming your genoa or hoisting a spinnaker halyard without the constant battle against rope slippage or jaw adjustments. The Lewmar 46AST two-speed self-tailing aluminum winch delivers that precision and power, blending cutting-edge Wavespring technology with a lightweight aluminum build that's perfect for performance-oriented sailboats. Sailors trust it for its ability to grip a wide range of line sizes—from modern Dyneema to classic Dacron—while keeping operations snag-free and fatigue-free during long races or coastal cruises.
What sets this winch apart is the self-adjusting Wavespring jaws. They conform gently to the rope's shape, providing consistent hold without crushing fibers or requiring manual tweaks. Paired with a low-friction feeder arm, it guides lines flawlessly onto the drum, even under load. Switch seamlessly between first gear for speed and second for muscle, and feel the difference in control on every tack.
Why Serious Sailors Choose the 46AST for Peak Performance
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Versatile Line Handling: Tackles ropes from 5/16 to 9/16 inches, making it ideal for everything from fine-control jib sheets to heavy main halyards.
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Two-Speed Efficiency: Low gear (2.4:1) zips lines in fast for quick maneuvers; high gear (7.6:1) cranks with 44.8:1 power ratio to conquer tough loads.
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Lightweight Durability: At just 15.8 pounds, the aluminum construction sheds weight aloft without sacrificing strength, boosting your boat's responsiveness.
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Low Maintenance Design: Self-tailing jaws minimize wear, and the clear drum view lets you monitor line progress at a glance.
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Race-Ready Precision: Proven on offshore circuits, it handles the demands of competitive sailing while excelling in family cruising setups.
Whether you're upgrading from standard winches or outfitting a new rig, the 46AST elevates sheet and halyard work, letting you focus on the water ahead.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Gear Ratio 1st/2nd |
Power Ratio 1st/2nd |
Weight (lb) |
| 2.4:1 / 7.6:1 |
13.9:1 / 44.8:1 |
15.8 |
Compact Dimensions for Seamless Deck Integration
| Drum Diameter (in) |
Base Diameter (in) |
Height (in) |
Line Entry (in) |
Line Size (in) |
| 3 7/16 |
6 5/8 |
7 9/16 |
3 5/16 |
5/16 - 9/16 |
These measurements ensure a low-profile fit on crowded decks, with a 6 5/8-inch base that mounts securely using five M8 (5/16-inch) countersunk screws on a 136mm (5 11/32-inch) PCD pattern.
Pro Tips for Flawless Installation and Optimal Performance
Mounting the 46AST is straightforward, but nailing the rope entry angle—between 5° and 10° to the winch base axis—makes all the difference in smooth operation. If your deck layout doesn't allow this naturally, a simple base wedge can align everything perfectly. Always bed the base with marine sealant for a watertight seal, and torque fasteners to spec to handle the rigors of heavy weather sailing.
During setup, test both speeds with your actual lines to confirm the self-tailer jaws engage cleanly. This winch shines when positioned for ergonomic handle access, reducing crew strain on those all-day sails.
Keep It Running Like New: Simple Maintenance Routine
Rinse with fresh water after every sail to flush salt and grit. Periodically inspect the Wavespring jaws for wear and lubricate moving parts with winch grease—avoid overdoing it to prevent attracting dirt. Disassemble annually for a deep clean, focusing on the drum bearings and feeder arm. With this care, expect years of reliable service, even in harsh marine environments.
Pro sailor tip: Mark your line sizes on the base for quick reference, ensuring the whole crew uses the right ropes every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Lewmar 46AST self-tailing winch different from standard models?
The Wavespring technology uses self-adjusting springs and a gentle wave grip pattern that adapts to various rope types and sizes, from thin performance lines to thicker Dacron, without manual adjustments or snags.
What line sizes does the 46AST handle?
It accommodates lines from 5/16 to 9/16 inches, covering most sailboat sheets, halyards, and control lines.
How do I switch between speeds on this two-speed winch?
Ease the load slightly and rotate the drum backwards past the neutral position. First gear engages for fast line retrieval, while second gear provides high power for heavy pulling.
Is the aluminum construction suitable for saltwater use?
Yes, hard-anodized aluminum resists corrosion effectively. Regular rinsing and proper maintenance ensure longevity in marine conditions.
What's the best rope entry angle for optimal performance?
Aim for 5° to 10° relative to the winch base axis. Use a base wedge if needed to achieve this for snag-free feeding.
How much weight savings does the aluminum 46AST offer over stainless steel winches?
At 15.8 pounds, it's significantly lighter, improving boat balance and speed without compromising strength for boats up to 50 feet.
Can I use this winch for both port and starboard sheets?
Absolutely—it's ambidextrous and self-tailing from either direction, making it versatile for symmetric deck layouts.
The Lewmar 'Wavespring' self-tailer combines their renowned and gentle wave grip feature with self adjusting springs. It handles today's smaller diameters, as well as the traditional larger Dacron composite ropes. A sleek, minimum-friction feeder arm provides absolute snag-free operation.
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