Maxwell 17 one-speed Self Tailing winches Sheet Size?

[BrianAllen]

I am new to a Hunter 25.5 (1984) with Maxwell 17 one-speed Self Tailing winches. I don't know the correct size of sheet in order for the self tailing aspect to work smoothly.

Does anyone know?

 

[Ron20324]

Google?

 

[BrianAllen]

Google?

Yes, I have been searching for some time. I’m really new to sailing so, I could be using the wrong terms.

The Maxwell winches have been out of product for some time and the parts business has faded with ARCO (last company handling them).

I have the service manual, the self tailing installation instructions, and I have rebuilt these up from a non-functional state.

The original sheets were not with the sailboat, but I had a line that was the right length. It somewhat works but will easily walks off the winch or bind on the winch.

 

[rgranger]

Can you buy a few feet of regular rope of different sizes from a big box store and test them out until you find the right size?

 

[BrianAllen]

Can you buy a few feet of regular rope of different sizes from a big box store and test them out until you find the right size?

Great idea, but I was hoping someone that has these winches would drop a response.

 

[rgranger]

Right.... this is the place for that. Good luck.

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Bunch of info about Maxwell winches in Download section of this site. In this one: https://sbo.sailboatowners.com/downloads/Hunter_gen_99194652.pdf I did see that a model 17 would accept lines from 5/16 to 1/2.

 

[jssailem]

What Claude says.... 5/16 to 1/2 seems about right. You may lean to the larger size of the rang just because the winch jaws look a bit worn. 7/16 may give you a good hand feel and should function. Yacht Double Braid should serve your needs. New England has STA-SET. You will be happy with a good rope that has a good hand feel.

 

[BrianAllen]

Bunch of info about Maxwell winches in Download section of this site. In this one: https://sbo.sailboatowners.com/downloads/Hunter_gen_99194652.pdf I did see that a model 17 would accept lines from 5/16 to 1/2.

I had that same document and some how I missed that section.

You guys are great at keeping me straight. I appreciate everyones input.

- Brian Allen

 

[Joe]

Well, it's a 25 foot boat.... so I'd reckon a 5/16 or 3/8" sheet would be the ticket. The winch should work with both. If it doesn't, I'd say the self tailing jaws are worn.... I wouldn't waste money fixing it... just use it as a standard winch. No biggie. Anything larger than 3/8" sheet is overkill on this 25 footer...and unnecessarily expensive.