Lewmar 55ST EVO® Self Tailing Winch Alloy - Grey
Lewmar 55ST EVO® Self Tailing Winch Alloy - Grey — Product description
Upgrade your sailing experience with the Lewmar 55ST EVO Self-Tailing Winch in sleek alloy grey. Crafted for serious sailors who demand reliability under pressure, this winch combines cutting-edge design with proven performance. Whether you're trimming mainsails on a brisk upwind leg or handling heavy genoa sheets during a tack, its intuitive operation lets you focus on the water ahead, not the hardware.
Standout Features That Make a Difference
The EVO series builds on Lewmar's legacy of Ocean winches, introducing innovations that simplify life aboard. Here's what sets it apart:
- No-Tools Servicing: Quick access panels pop open effortlessly, letting you clean, lubricate, or inspect pawls and springs without fumbling for screwdrivers—ideal for mid-race maintenance.
- Intuitive Direction Arrows: Clear, engraved markings guide your cranking direction at a glance, reducing errors in low-light or high-stress moments.
- Electric Conversion Ready: Modular design allows seamless upgrade to powered operation, future-proofing your setup for larger yachts or reduced crew demands.
- Self-Tailing Jaws: Precision-engineered jaws grip lines from 8mm to 16mm securely, enabling single-handed sheeting that feels effortless even with wet or worn rope.
- Alloy Grey Finish: Corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy withstands harsh marine environments, while the modern grey hue complements contemporary deck aesthetics.
Detailed Technical Specifications
Engineered for power and precision, this winch handles the demands of performance cruising and racing. Check the key dimensions and ratios below:
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Drum Diameter | 4.13 inches |
| Base Diameter | 8.07 inches |
| Height (Base to Top) | 9.35 inches |
| Line Entry Height | 4.53 inches |
| Compatible Line Size | 0.32" - 0.63" (8-16mm) |
| 1st Gear Ratio | 2.8:1 |
| 2nd Gear Ratio | 11.2:1 |
| 1st Gear Power Ratio | 13.8:1 |
| 2nd Gear Power Ratio | 54.1:1 |
| Safe Working Load (SWL) | 3263 lbs |
| Weight | 26.4 lbs |
Note: Dual-speed gearing provides fast line retrieval in first gear for quick maneuvers, then high-torque second gear for heavy loads.
Power and Performance on the Water
With a robust SWL of over 3,200 lbs, the 55ST EVO tackles gennakers, spinnakers, and mainsheets on boats up to 55 feet. The 2-speed mechanism shines in variable conditions: zip through light air with the low-ratio first gear, then muscle through puffs with the 54:1 second gear power ratio. Sailors rave about its smooth ratcheting and minimal backlash, which translates to confident control during jibes or short tacks in crowded fleets.
Compact yet mighty, its footprint fits standard winch bases without modification, and the self-tailing arm adjusts for optimal line angle—perfect for cockpits with tight leads.
Effortless Maintenance for Long-Term Reliability
Owning a Lewmar EVO means less downtime. Rinse with fresh water after every sail to flush salt, then use a dry lube on moving parts. The tool-free design lets you check drum bearings annually— a 10-minute job that keeps it spinning like new. Avoid over-torquing handles to preserve gear teeth, and store in a dry locker off-season.
Pro tip: Pair with Lewmar's winch handle saver for ergonomic cranking that reduces fatigue on long passages.
Why Sailors Trust Lewmar 55ST EVO
In a sea of winches, the EVO stands out for its balance of strength, simplicity, and style. It's not just hardware; it's a partner that evolves with your sailing ambitions—from coastal hops to offshore adventures. Built to ANSI and CE standards, it delivers peace of mind when conditions turn gnarly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Lewmar 55ST EVO self-tailing winch different from standard winches?
The EVO features self-tailing jaws that automatically grip and hold the line, allowing one-handed operation. It also offers tool-free servicing, clear direction arrows, and electric conversion compatibility for superior ease and versatility.
What line sizes does the 55ST EVO handle?
It accommodates lines from 0.32 inches to 0.63 inches (8mm to 16mm), making it suitable for most modern braided or polyester ropes used in sailing.
Is this winch suitable for electric conversion?
Yes, its modular design supports straightforward conversion to an electric model, ideal for larger yachts or when minimizing physical effort is key.
How do I service the Lewmar 55ST EVO winch?
No tools needed—just release the access panels to inspect and lubricate pawls, springs, and bearings. Rinse with fresh water regularly and apply dry lube sparingly.
What is the safe working load of this winch?
It boasts a safe working load of 3263 lbs, providing ample capacity for sheets and halyards on mid-to-large sailboats.
Does the grey alloy finish resist corrosion?
Absolutely—the hard-anodized aluminum alloy is engineered for marine environments, offering excellent resistance to saltwater corrosion and UV exposure.
What boats is the 55ST EVO best for?
Perfect for performance cruisers and racers up to 55 feet, especially those with heavy air sails or short-handed crews needing reliable power.
55ST EVO® Self Tailing Winch Alloy - Grey
An evolution of the renowned Lewmar Ocean winch, the EVO® Self-Tailing Winch draws on a wealth of design and manufacturing experience to produce a state-of-the-art winch.
Features:
- Easy Servicing – no tools required
- User-friendly direction arrows
- Convertible to electric
Technical Specifications:
- Drum Diameter - 4.13"
- Base Diameter - 8.07"
- Height - 9.35"
- Line entry - 4.53"
- Line size: - .32" - .63"
- Gear Ratio 1st Gear - 2.8:1
- Gear Ratio 2nd Gear -11.2:1
- Power Ratio 1st Gear - 13.8:1
- Power Ratio 2nd Gear - 54.1:1
- SWL - 3263lbs
- Weight - 26.4lbs
In the Box:
- Winch
- Instruction manual
*Sold as an Individual
SKU: NVN-94255
MPN: 49555057
UPC:
Technical specifications
| Brand | Lewmar |
| Model | Lewmar 55ST EVO® Self Tailing Winch Alloy - Grey |
| SKU / MFR# | 94255 |
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