Frank wrote: I've sometimes seen eBay auction bids go higher than the prices you can buy the same stuff online.
That was my point. So far, they've been close to or over retail every time I've tracked them on eBay. They're advertized as NIB and the guy who sells them has good feedback numbers so it should be a safe purchase, but if I'm going to buy eBay instead of retail the deal has got to be substantially better or it's not a deal at all.
I predict those Harkens will spike to something over $300 before they close. The 16ST is serious overkill for Mac foresail sheets, anyway. Even the 14ST from Lewmar is bigger than you need. The 12ST is plenty but I believe Anderson is the only one who makes them, and they cost considereably more than the larger Lewmars.
I could use an ST to haul up that keel which I'll get one of these days, whenever they finish it. Winches on the aft corners would be great for sheeting. It's a great idea. Hmm. In my case that would be 3 new winches @ $350 ea. I think I'll give the EZ cleats a chance for a while and use my stock winch for the weighted keel. Installing winches on the aft corners can't be easy, considering access underneath. Not sure about the X but I don't think you can get to that area on an M.
Self Tailing Winches are on the BWY experimental M model cabin top. I suppose a good winch might take some of the work out of that weighted bulb keel, pulling it up. I like the Anderson SS model. The smallest #12 single speed is a nice choice for your new weighted keel. They have a real shaft drive, gear driven drum and provide a useful power ratio without being overkill. They also have a double bearing system which claims to enhance the light load operation and SS ball bearings for heavy loading. Nice finish, light for SS and they appear impressive.
Chip Hindes wrote: ... So far, they've been close to or over retail every time I've tracked them on eBay. They're advertized as NIB and the guy who sells them has good feedback numbers so it should be a safe purchase, but if I'm going to buy eBay instead of retail the deal has got to be substantially better or it's not a deal at all.
THat Harken 16ST sold at $350, plus shipping, while APS sells it for $493 (also +shipping). So the eBay savings are substantial, but they were only offering one winch, and it's basically too large!
