Upgrade your sail-handling setup with the Lewmar 40ST EVO Self-Tailing Winch in sleek alloy grey. Designed for serious sailors who demand precision and power on every tack, this winch builds on decades of Lewmar's dominance in marine hardware. Whether you're racing offshore or cruising long distances, its two-speed operation delivers effortless control over heavy loads, letting you focus on the helm and the horizon.
What sets the 40ST EVO apart? It's not just another winch—it's an evolution. The self-tailing jaws grip lines securely without slippage, even under peak racing pressures. Imagine trimming your genoa in a 25-knot squall: the first gear cranks fast for initial take-up, then seamlessly shifts to second gear for maximum power ratio. Sailors rave about how it reduces crew fatigue on multi-day passages, turning what used to be a two-person job into a solo task.
Standout Features for Real-World Sailing
-
Tool-Free Servicing: Pop open the end cap and service the pawls and springs in seconds—no wrenches, no hassle. This means less downtime at the dock and more time on the water, a game-changer for weekend warriors and liveaboards alike.
-
Intuitive Direction Arrows: Molded right into the drum, these guides show exactly which way to crank, eliminating guesswork during chaotic maneuvers. Perfect for new crew or when adrenaline is high.
-
Electric Conversion Ready: Bolt on a Lewmar electric motor kit later if you want powered assistance for larger sails or heavier genoas. Future-proofs your investment without starting from scratch.
-
Premium Alloy Grey Finish: Hard-anodized for corrosion resistance in saltwater environments, with a modern matte look that complements carbon rigs and sleek decks.
-
Self-Tailing Excellence: The jam cleat and tapering jaws handle lines from 5/16" to 1/2" diameter flawlessly, auto-gripping for one-handed operation.
Detailed Specifications
| Attribute |
Measurement |
| Drum Diameter |
2.91 inches (74 mm) |
| Base Diameter |
5.83 inches (148 mm) |
| Height |
6.24 inches (158 mm) |
| Line Entry Angle |
3.11 inches (79 mm) |
| Line Size |
0.32 - 0.5 inches (8-13 mm) |
| Gear Ratio 1st Gear |
1.9:1 |
| Gear Ratio 2nd Gear |
5.8:1 |
| Power Ratio 1st Gear |
13.2:1 |
| Power Ratio 2nd Gear |
40.2:1 |
| Safe Working Load (SWL) |
1753 lbs (795 kg) |
| Weight |
10.7 lbs (4.85 kg) |
Part of the Versatile EVO Self-Tailing Range
The 40ST Grey slots perfectly into Lewmar's EVO lineup, offering scalable power for boats from 35 to 50 feet. Here's a quick look at the family—choose based on your load needs:
| Model |
Finish |
Gear 1st / 2nd |
Power 1st / 2nd |
SWL (lbs) |
Weight (lbs) |
Drum Dia (in) |
| 15ST |
Alloy Grey |
2:1 |
15.8:1 |
1257 |
6.4 |
2 9/16 |
| 30ST |
Alloy Grey |
2:1 / 4.2:1 |
13.8:1 / 29.2:1 |
1510 |
9.2 |
2 15/16 |
| 40ST |
Alloy Grey |
1.9:1 / 5.8:1 |
13.2:1 / 40.2:1 |
1753 |
10.7 |
2 15/16 |
| 45ST |
Alloy Grey |
2.4:1 / 7.6:1 |
13.9:1 / 44.8:1 |
2646 |
15.8 |
3 7/16 |
Pro tip: Match your winch size to sail area and crew strength. The 40ST hits the sweet spot for most performance cruisers.
Installation and Care Tips from Seasoned Sailors
Mounting is straightforward: Drill for the 4-bolt pattern (check your deck thickness), bed with marine sealant, and torque to spec. For self-tailing perfection, align the feeder arm parallel to your sheet lead. Rinse with fresh water after every sail to flush salt—your EVO will thank you with years of smooth operation.
Regular service? Every season, inspect jaws for wear and grease the center stem. That tool-free access makes it a 5-minute job, keeping it race-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Lewmar 40ST EVO different from older Ocean winches?
The EVO series refines the Ocean design with tool-free maintenance, clearer direction indicators, and enhanced ergonomics for faster, safer handling. It's lighter and more corrosion-resistant too.
Can I use this winch for both sheets and halyards?
Absolutely. The self-tailing mechanism grips securely for dynamic sheets or static halyards, handling lines up to 1/2-inch perfectly.
Is the alloy grey finish durable in saltwater?
Yes, the hard-anodized alloy resists pitting and fading far better than basic aluminum, standing up to harsh marine environments.
How do I switch to the high-power gear?
Crank continuously—the winch auto-engages second gear after a few turns from the fast first gear. Follow the direction arrows for smooth shifts.
What's included when I get the winch?
The winch itself plus a detailed instruction manual for setup and servicing.
Can I convert it to electric later?
Yes, it's designed for easy retrofitting with Lewmar electric conversion kits, preserving your manual option if needed.
What boat sizes suit the 40ST?
Ideal for 35-50 foot yachts, powering main, genoa, or spinnaker sheets where high SWL meets balanced speed.
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.
Lewmars EVO™ Winch Range evolution from the renowned Ocean winch.
Features
/eh/2025-01-08/173633966714069467/picture.png)
/eh/2024-12-24/173503345348979036/Favorite-Icon.png){kind=icon}
/eh/2025-07-08/1751962110204480194/picture.png)
/eh/2025-06-21/1750485478958537574/countryInfoIcon.png)
/eh/2025-06-21/1750485741321434291/Hi-Sign-in-My-Nihao.png)
/eh/2025-06-21/1750485837193896318/cart.png)
/eh/2025-06-21/1750485968202533847/cart.png)
/eh/2025-04-17/1744862476612819675/hot-img.png)
/eh/2025-11-07/1762504524550532584/header-icon.jpg){kind=icon}
/eh/2025-07-07/1751875582852206790/header-icon.png){kind=icon}
/eh/2025-07-07/1751875587886277738/header-icon.png){kind=icon}
