Paul Middleton

As requested from the data sheet information as provided by the manufacturers (where I have been able to find one). RMG's method of powering with a separate lead and a regulated 5.5/6v output is what made them different especially when first released nearly all receivers and servos were not really available with a 8.4v rating. These days the availability of 8.4V receivers and servos is much easier with little cost penalty so most Winches now drive via the receiver. With most types this isn't a problem as the ground and power plains inside the receiver pcb that link all the pins together can probably handle more than the 7 Amps the Futaba style servo connectors are rated at. If concerned it is possible to make up a "Y" cable (I have them for my V11) that take an XT30 connector for the battery to a MR30 connector (3 way version of a XT30) and also from the same MR30 to a Futaba style connector and fit a MR30 on the end of the three wires from the winch. This way the only power through the receiver is the receiver and rudder servo with Winch power going direct to the winch from the battery. WinchCompV11.pdf

Here is my analysis of the winch types I could find when deciding on a winch for my IOM's. The colour coding refers to the rating for IOM's (sorry), but as PJ Sails suggests their PJS36 winch (with large drum) as suitable for 6M and another contributor has commented about using a AR808 (assuming the standard 40mm drum) on their 6M as they both have similar performance perhaps we could use this as a typical requirement? PJS36 gives 317mm/second speed winching speed and 11.9kg pulling force and the AR808 gives 299mm/s and 11.5kg. As well as the RMG 290J2 with a 26mm drum (310/12.4) and RMG 380J4 with 32mm drum (402/24.1) both exceeding the "typical" 6M requirements so should work fine but (on a very personal point of view is a bit of a concern) they have higher than average stall currents. Using the same mounting style as the AR808 and RMG winches you have the Red Ant with a 32mm drum that also exceeds the figures by quite a bit (380/14.1) with a lower stall current than the RMGs. I have used one of these Red Ants in my V11 IOM and will fit one in my new V12. The PJS36 is a servo style mounting and other potential types using the same mounting style are the KingMax SW01BS with PJ Sails "50mm drum" (361/13.5) and SW02BS with a PJ Sails "67mm drum" (317/12.2). I have used the SW01BS with a PJ Sails 50mm in my Alternative IOM. Another Fleetwood skipper is using one in his 6M with the PJS 50mm drum to replace a SW22HV (10.6kg) with the same drum that worked fine but struggled slightly when at the very top end of a rigs wind speed. The major advantage of the Kingmax SW01BS is that they are typically around £70-£80 if imported directly so carrying a spare and accepting you are very, very, unlikely to get it repaired is still a feasible option. PS if anyone knows of any other winches that I can pull the data then I can add them to the spreadsheet if there is a demand. WinchCompV10.pdf

My DF65 winch that showed this symptom actually fully stopped working about 2 sessions after I put in my comment above and went back (for a replacement) and I fitted my spare winch whilst this process the return.

Yes the winch in my new DF65 appear to be doing this.