Orbit 50QT Three-Speed Alum ST Winch - w/ Quick Trim

In addition to two-speed models, Ronstan also offers their Orbit 45QT and 50QT QuickTrim Winches as three-speed models.

Featuring the fastest line speeds in the Orbit range, Ronstan three-speed Orbit Winches™ offer significant advantages in many racing and cruising situations that require rapid line retrieval.
In the initial stages of trimming or hoisting sails, the high-speed first gear reduces the time and effort required to adjust sails efficiently. After quick initial line recovery at low load, the winch can be shifted to the slower, but more powerful, second and third gears as loads increase.
The added versatility provided by the extra third gear results in improved safety and performance through precise control of heavy loads.

To engage the first gear with a fast 1.4:1 gear ratio, push the button on top of the winch and turn the winch handle clockwise. When the load becomes too heavy, turn the handle counter-clockwise to switch to the second gear. The winch will now operate as a two-speed winch, shifting between second and third gear with changes in handle direction.
To return to the first gear for extra speed, simply push the button again.

The unique, patented QuickTrim™ feature in these winches allows sailors to easily and safely ease line tension to make minor in/out sail trim adjustments when racing or in challenging sailing conditions, without having to remove the winch handle or take the line out of the self-tailer jaws.
QuickTrim is easily engaged or disabled (for normal self-tailing function) with the simple removal or replacement of a single screw in the top of the self-tailing arm.

3-speed QuickTrim™ self-tailing winches feature lightweight aluminum construction and Power Rib™ drums for low wear on lines and controlled grip on the line at all times.

Three-Speed Winch Features
• Sprung self-tailing jaws accept 8-14mm (5/16" - 9/16") line
• Close-to-deck, low line entry allowed by favorable internal gear geometry
• Ball bearings carry the thrust loads, while roller bearings carry drum radial loads to minimize rotational friction
• Proven Andersen winch gearing configuration
• Distinctive Power Ribs™ on the drum ensure a controlled grip at all times, whether tensioning or easing
• Power Ribs minimize rope wear compared to common abrasive drum surface finishes
• Lightweight machined anodized aluminium drum – stronger and lighter than traditional cast aluminium drums
• Aluminium center stem is lighter in weight compared to bronze stems
• No tools required for Quick Trim configuration, except a simple Phillips screwdriver
• No tools required for disassembly for maintenance
• 3-year Warranty on all models
• Note – Orbit 30QT and 40QT models and conversion kits are now available with an E1 Single Speed Electric Motor for 12V or 24V systems; see Related Products

A Deeper Dive into QuickTrim™
The innovative QuickTrim™ self-tailer allows sailors to easily and safely ease line tension to make minor sail trim adjustments without having to remove the winch handle or take the line out of the self tailer.
Racing sailors can react and respond instantly to minor changes in wind direction or steering, providing an unmatched advantage when frequent sail trim adjustments are required. It’s also a nice convenience for cruising sailors.

On the water, using QuickTrim™ is intuitive and quickly becomes second nature. In use, winches typically rotate clockwise. With one hand on the tail of the sheet, rotating the spring-loaded top cover of the Orbit winch counter-clockwise with the other hand allows the self-tailer jaws to turn beneath your hand as the line is eased out in a controlled fashion.
When the top cover is released and allowed to spring back, the self-tailer locks again and grips the line to resume normal use. This simple, reliable feature is a real advantage when making frequent minor adjustments to sheet or halyard tension.

As delivered from the factory, Orbit Quick Trim winches operate as traditional two- or three-speed self-tailing winches.
The QuickTrim™ feature is enabled by the user simply by removing a single screw located under the self tailing arm. The only tool required is a Philips screwdriver to remove the screw. Step-by-step instructions are included in the Quick Reference Guide provided with the winch, and also in the product manual available from the Ronstan website.

Power Ribs
Inspired by the distinctive drum profile of Andersen winches, Power Ribs™ have been incorporated into the fully machined drums of Ronstan’s Orbit Winches™ to deliver the same impressive line handling with maximum grip and minimal line wear.
The exceptional grip provided by the Power Ribs™ offers a multitude of benefits: requiring fewer wraps around the drum, reducing the load held in the self tailer, and encouraging the line to slide easily upward on the drum to avoid riding turns.
The non-abrasive drum surface extends the service life of running rigging and allows for smooth and controlled easing, even under high loads.

No Tools Required for Disassembly for Maintenance
Full disassembly and reassembly can conveniently be performed without the need for any tools.
To remove the drum, pull back the spring-loaded release latch, then a slight counter-clockwise rotation will allow the self-tailing arm to be lifted from the winch. From there, the drum can be removed from the winch center stem.
When completing reassembly in the reverse order, an audible click confirms positive engagement between the self-tailing arm and bayonet notches on the center stem. These notches allow the self-tailing arm to be locked in one of eight positions at 45° rotational increments.

Materials
• Hard anodized aluminium drum and center stem, aluminium self-tailing arm
• Grade 316 stainless steel shaft and pawls
• Grade 2205 stainless steel axle pins
• Aluminium bronze gears
• Glass-filled nylon self-tailer
• Self-lubricating acetal bearings


The Orbit Winch range includes:
A 20ST single-speed winch without QuickTrim
30QT and 40QT 2-speed winches with the QuickTrim option
45QT and 50QT size winches in two or three speeds with QuickTrim
And 30QT and 40QT 2-speed Electric models with QuickTrim in 12V or 24V
There are also 12V or 24V Electric Conversion Kits for existing 30QT and 40QT 2-speed manual models
See Related Products