SMARTWINCH
The Choice of Champions
SMARTWINCH Bill Green
Welcome to the new web site. SmartWinch started in 2000 and have grown to be the UK’s main importer of RMG sail winches and accessories. In that time, we have built up a very deep knowledge of the products, their application and repair. We are recognised for our customer service based on a simple premise; we treat our customers as we would expect to be treated. Wherever possible we aim for next day delivery using either Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class letter post for smaller items. We turn round most repairs within the working week, again our main aim is to have you back sailing as soon as possible.
The recent couple of years have been difficult year for us all, competitive radio sailing has been severely curtailed, but boats have been built and fitted out. Supplies from RMG have been disrupted due to the impact of the COVID19 pandemic in Australia that has created a worldwide shortage of RMG products that has been difficult to ahead of. That is recognised and steps are being taken to get ahead of the backlog and hopefully it won’t be long before that’s achieved, and our regular supplies are restored to normal. In the meantime, please bear with us.
We have simplified the design of this web site to make it much easier to use for you and it allows us to post up some useful tips on how to get the best out of your RMG products. If you can see ways in which we can help you better, please let us know as now have the flexibility to do so. You may have also noted that there is new web address, the old is being retained as well as the new so please update you contact information for us.
TALK To us
We may be old fashioned but we like to talk to our customers to make sure they end up with what they want. The phones are always on, if we are not there please leave a message and I promise I will get back to you.
PHONE:
0121 705 4478
MOBILE:
07780 952083
ADDRESS:
80 Buryfield Road,
Solihull
West Midlands
B91 2DQ
RMG Sail Winches
285 ES
This is the winch the majority use
The ES is the most commonly used RMG winch and it offers flexibility in use across a variety of classes. The winch come with a 32mm STD drum as part of the package and with leads sufficiently long to enable it to be applied across the classes. All the RMG drums can be applied to this winch.
285 EF
Faster at the expense of power
The EF is produced to address the requirements of the IOM Class with faster sheeting speed, reduced travel distance and restricted drum usage
Accessories for your RMG winch
Self-Tensioning Drums
Self-tensioning drums take out the issues associated with tensioning methods by having a two-part drum, the top section of which is spring loaded to apply tension to the sheet return line. They are available in two sizes 32 and 42mm and are handed. Please specify which hand you require when ordering.
If your sheets come off the drum on the left hand side, you need a left hand drum.
Right hand if your sheets come off the right hand side.
Spiral Drums
Spiral drums are cut with a spiral sheeting path that progressively reduces the drum diameter to provide fast sheeting out to dump sail and slow progressive sheeting in to give fine control of the beating angles. These are available as single drums where the customer will need to arrange tensioning to prevent the sheets becoming unwound. Self-tensioning versions are available but have fixed handing They are available in 54, 42 and 32mm starting diameters. Only a very small selection of these drums are normally held in stock, but are available to order.
Switch
An ultra-low profile, waterproof switch battery on/off switch for RC yachts. It can used with all types and manufacture of RC sail winches.
Thumbscrew
The thumb screw is one of those items that once you have used you will never revert back to a posidrive screw to fix your winch drum down again. It is simple and if your winch is mounted below the deck as it is on most IOM’s these days it makes access to remove the drum so much easier.
RMG Repairs
We only repair RMG winches. The vast majority of RMG winches regardless of age and condition can be repaired economically or upgraded to the current version. If you have one that is in need of some TLC then please ring us and we can talk through the options available to you. Our aim is to keep you sailing, so if you have a problem with a winch whilst racing on Sunday our aim is to have the winch back to you for the next weekend. Over the last 3 years our average repair turn-around time for all repairs is 6 days so it has been done many times. We hold a decent stock of both mechanical and electronic parts as well as motors, circuit boards and potentiometers for various winch types. Our work is checked through before despatch back to you and carries our normal workmanship warranty for the repair carried out. Even very old winches have a value, we are keen to buy up old winches to add to our ability to repair so please feel free to contact us. We have been known to provide a part exchange arrangement.
RMG Upgrades
Since the early 2000’s RMG winches have been designed with future upgrade in mind so winches from the C series onwards can be upgraded to current E standard. The upgrade involves changing the printed circuit board (PCB) and potentiometer and may involve a motor change as well. The original gearbox is retained and checked out for wear and if necessary, parts replaced. Its worth considering as an option as the cost is about 2/3 of the cost of a new one. Its certainly cheaper than buying a new one and that’s what you have, a fully refurbished winch with 12 months warranty from your donor gearbox. Worth a second thought.
