This Year I’m Going to
Service My Winches...
Honest!
The last thing a sailor needs
during a “situation” is for the
winch to jam or fail, so taking
the time to clean and service
them at the start of each season
will give you peace of mind.
By Sky Myers
Winches, as every sailor knows, security to know that the winches are The last thing a sailor needs during
are one of the most crucial pieces of in good working order. a “situation” is for the winch to jam
equipment on a sailboat. In addition Now, let me admit right off that or fail, so taking the time to clean and
to their usual work of trimming sails I am not one inclined toward things service them at the start of each season
under load, somebody’s life could mechanical, yet I thoroughly enjoyed will give you peace of mind.
rely on using one to pull an overboard learning to overhaul winches. If I can To take most winches apart you
sailor onto the deck, or to hoist a crew do it, so can you. I would allow an need only a strong fingernail, or
member up the mast. Winches make it hour or two to complete the first one. perhaps a screwdriver if you don’t
possible for weaklings like myself to It isn’t a difficult task, but it is tedious, want to “break a nail.” Make sure you
handle sails under heavy loads without and the cleaning can take some time. have a coffee can or box or something
employing a crew of musclemen. I recommend tackling them one at a to put all the parts into as you take
Winches are some of the most time. them off; you don’t want anything
expensive items on your boat and for Winches work by using leverage rolling overboard! I’ve even heard it
that reason alone should be serviced to increase force and torque. They use recommended that you cut a hole in a
regularly. So, why is it that so many two types of levers: the winch handle box top and place that over the entire
sailboat owners have never serviced on the outside and a revolving set of winch; this would be especially helpful
their winches? Frankly, it is a messy gears on the inside. The length of the in keeping parts on board while
underway. But if you’re at the dock
1 2
3
or on the hard, just put the parts into
a can. You’ll need screwdrivers, a wire
4
job, and can be intimidating with all winch handle and the diameter of the
those teensy little parts. Understanding drum will affect the ratio of speed to
how they work, and learning how to power. Most midsize winches have
disassemble, clean, grease (minimally two speeds, one for slow, powerful
please!) and reassemble them is a great cranking and one for high-speed
skill to have under your belt. Sensing movement under light loads. The
Figure 3: The pawl on the left is missing
the difference between a grimy, power ratio of the winch is usually in
its spring. Roller bearings are just visible
sluggish, or over greased winch and the name of the winch. The Lewmar 30
inside.
a clean smooth-running winch, feels will have an approximate power ratio
Figure 4: Inside of the Lewmar 30 Two
really good. It gives one a sense of of 30:1. (Figure1)
Speed Winch after the drum was removed.
48° No r t h , Ju N e 2009 Pa g e 40
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