The Ronstan RA6302 30QT Orbit Winch is a high-efficiency, lightweight aluminum winch designed for easy sail handling and reliable service on sailboats. It incorporates Ronstan's extensive experience in designing and manufacturing marine equipment, drawing on the same engineering and manufacturing expertise as their Andersen Stainless Steel Winches. This winch features controlled grip, smooth performance without excessive rope wear, and a patented QuickTrim™ feature on selected models, which allows for fine-tuning of sail trim.
Function Description:
The Ronstan RA6302 30QT Orbit Winch is a two-speed self-tailing winch designed to tension and ease lines on a sailboat. It can be operated manually with a winch handle, providing both a fast speed (1st speed) and a slow speed (2nd speed) for precise control over line tension. The self-tailing mechanism allows for hands-free holding of the line once tensioned, freeing the operator to perform other tasks. The unique QuickTrim™ feature, when enabled, allows for rapid easing of line tension without the need to remove the line from the self-tailer or the winch handle from its socket, facilitating quick and safe minor adjustments to sail trim. This is particularly useful in situations requiring frequent tension adjustments, such as with sheets and halyards. The winch is designed for durability and ease of use, ensuring many years of service.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model: RA6302 30QT Orbit Winch™
- Power Ratio:
- 1st speed: 8:1
- 2nd speed: 30:1
- Rope Diameter: 7-12mm (9/32"-1/2")
- Weight: 3.1 kg (6.8 lb)
- Maximum Working Load (MWL): 700 kg (1540 lb)
- Mounting Fasteners: 5x M6 or 1/4" Grade 316 stainless steel fasteners (A4-70 DIN7991 hexagon socket CSK screws recommended).
- Mounting Torque: No more than 7.1Nm for M6 fasteners.
- Line Entry Angle: Recommended 3-8° from horizontal.
- Materials: Lightweight aluminum construction.
- Pawls and Springs: Uses genuine Ronstan or Andersen brand pawls and springs. Winch Pawl & Spring Kit RA710052 contains 8 pawls and 16 springs.
Usage Features:
- Two-Speed Operation: Provides two distinct gear ratios for efficient line handling. The fast speed is used for quick retrieval of slack, while the slow speed offers greater power for final tensioning.
- Self-Tailing Mechanism: Automatically holds the line under tension, eliminating the need for constant manual holding and freeing up crew members.
- QuickTrim™ Feature: A patented innovation that allows for rapid easing of line tension without removing the line from the self-tailer or the winch handle. This feature is initially disabled from the factory and must be enabled by removing a specific screw during installation. Once enabled, users can release line tension by holding the rope tail, placing a hand on the top cover of the self-tailer, and rotating the top cover anti-clockwise against spring pressure. This allows the self-tailer to turn beneath the cover, easing the line in a controlled manner. Releasing the hand allows the cover to spring back and lock the self-tailer.
- Controlled Grip: Designed to provide smooth performance and minimize rope wear.
- Easy Installation: The manual provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for mounting the winch, including determining the correct mounting position, drilling holes, and assembling components. It emphasizes proper alignment of the drive gear with the line entry and correct orientation of the self-tailing arm.
- Self-Tailing Arm Orientation: The self-tailing arm can be oriented to allow the rope to drop clear of the winch as it feeds out, with recommended positions indicated in the manual.
- Winch Handle Operation: Turning the winch handle clockwise drives the drum in fast speed, while turning it anti-clockwise drives it in slow speed.
- Safety Notices: Comprehensive safety guidelines are provided, including warnings about staying alert, ensuring operators are trained, avoiding accidental operation, and proper maintenance procedures. Specific precautions are given for lifting operations, emphasizing that the winch should not be used as a cleat for lifting or suspending objects with the rope in the self-tailer.
Maintenance Features:
- Recommended Servicing: Ronstan recommends fresh water rinsing after each use to prevent salt and contaminant buildup. A complete servicing (dismantling, cleaning, and lubrication) is recommended every two years, or annually for extensive use (racing, charter, offshore sailing).
- Lubrication: The use of ANDERSEN WINCH GREASE (containing PTFE) is strongly recommended for lubricating the winch gears, drive shaft, and axles. Other types of grease, including "marine grease," are explicitly stated as unsuitable and may cause malfunction. Roller bearings and ball bearing races are self-lubricating and must not be greased. Pawls should only receive a very thin film of Andersen Winch Grease.
- Pawl and Spring Replacement: Pawls should be inspected and springs replaced every second year. Only genuine Ronstan or Andersen brand pawls and springs should be used.
- Disassembly and Reassembly Instructions: Detailed instructions are provided for disassembling the winch for cleaning and inspection, including removal of the self-tailing arm, drum, drive shaft, pawls, springs, spacer, gears, bearings, and axle.
- Inspection for Wear and Damage: During servicing, all parts should be inspected for wear or damage. Pawls should move smoothly and return to their normal position to engage within the gears; if not, springs should be replaced.
- Galvanic Corrosion Prevention: For mounting on metal or carbon fiber surfaces, the winch base must be completely isolated from the mounting surface using sealant and Tef-Gel™ isolating paste under fastener heads to prevent galvanic corrosion.
- Batch Number: Each winch has a batch number stamped on the base of the center stem, accessible by removing the self-tailing arm and drum, to assist with future service inquiries.
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