It looks like a winch. It mounts like a winch. It cranks like a winch. It’s not a winch. First designed to solve a deck layout challenge unique to the J/70, the Harken SnubbAir might look like a smaller, more efficient version of the winch it replaces.

But the product has so many potential applications it defies classification as a winch. It could act more like a really large ratcheting foot, cheek block, or even a ratcheting line diverter in the pit. The SnubbAir provides lots of line-holding power even without a winch handle. That muscle could become very popular on an A Scow or a powered-up sport boat where the spinnakers can be more than a handful. Even better, you can just flip the sheet off the drum and jibe.

If you need even more holding power, wrap the sheet around the SnubbAir twice or use a winch handle with the optional adapter. SnubbAir comes with four integral threaded studs placed to precisely match the bolt pattern of the B8A winch on the J/70 deck. Start-to-finish, swapping out winches for SnubbAirs takes less than 10 minutes. All washers and Nylok® nuts required for mounting are included. Nylok is a registered trademark of Nylok Corporation.