Lewmar 55ST EVO® Self Tailing Winch Alloy - Black

Upgrade your sail-handling setup with the Lewmar 55ST EVO Self-Tailing Winch in sleek black alloy. Designed for serious sailors who demand reliability and smooth performance on larger yachts or performance cruisers, this winch transforms how you manage heavy loads under pressure. Drawing from decades of Lewmar's marine expertise, the EVO series refines classic Ocean winch DNA with modern touches that prioritize ease, strength, and longevity.

Why Sailors Trust the Lewmar 55ST EVO for Demanding Conditions

Picture this: you're beating upwind in a fresh breeze, genoa sheets straining against 20+ knots. The 55ST EVO steps up with its two-speed gearing—quick 2.8:1 first gear for fast line retrieval, then a powerful 11.2:1 second gear that multiplies your effort 54.1:1. Handling lines from 8mm to 16mm (that's .32" to .63"), it grips securely without slippage, letting you focus on tactics rather than muscle.

The black anodized alloy finish isn't just for looks—it resists saltwater corrosion better than ever, standing up to harsh marine environments. At 26.4 lbs with a safe working load (SWL) of 3263 lbs, it's built tough yet balanced for cockpit efficiency. Compact footprint (8.07" base diameter, 9.35" height) means it slots neatly into tight winch positions without dominating deck space.

Standout Features That Make Life Aboard Easier

• Tool-Free Servicing: Pop the top with a simple twist—no wrenches needed. Clean, grease, and reassemble in minutes, keeping downtime minimal during regattas or long passages.
• Intuitive Direction Arrows: Engraved indicators show exactly how to engage gears, a game-changer for crew new to the boat or in low light.
• Electric Conversion Ready: Future-proof your investment; swap to powered operation seamlessly if you crave effortless halyard hoists or mainsheet trimming.
• Self-Tailing jaws: V-shaped design auto-adjusts to line diameter, releasing tension with a quick flip—perfect for short-handed sailing.

These aren't gimmicks; they're proven enhancements from real-world feedback, making the 55ST EVO a favorite among offshore racers and bluewater cruisers alike.

Technical Specs at a Glance

Pro Tips for Peak Performance and Longevity

Install with the line entry facing the load angle for flawless feeding. Regularly rinse with fresh water post-sail to flush salt, and use marine-grade grease on the jaws during tool-free service—every 10-20 hours of use. Pair with Lewmar's matching handles for ergonomic control. Short-handed? Practice the self-tailing release to trim on the fly without a grinder.

This winch shines on spinnaker sheets, outhauls, or traveler cars, where power and control matter most. Sailors report fewer fatigue-induced errors, translating to faster passages and safer maneuvers.

What's Included

• The complete 55ST EVO Self-Tailing Winch in black alloy
• Detailed instruction manual for setup and maintenance

Sold as a single unit—ideal for targeted upgrades.