H34 & WM BOGO Lewmar Again!

[PGIJon]

WM is offering BOGO on Lewmar winches again this Thursday through Sunday. This is the 3rd year in a row that I have started to salivate and will definitely buy a pair or two this time. Just need a bit of help.

While I know I kind of asked this question before, let me be a bit more direct.
Has anyone replaced the winches with Lewmar ones? If so, which model did you purchase for your H34?

Which model do you recommend to replace all 4 winches on the H34?

Thanks Jon

 

[kloudie1]

My PO raced the boat some and had added Lewmar 43 winches ('87 timeframe) for the spin and genny sheets. The original Maxwells are still in place with the Lewmars. The cabin top winches are the original Maxwells. I don't have the capacity data on the #43's but they are self tailing two speed winches. From the current literature, it seems that either a 40 or 45 would be appropriate. I rarely use the old Maxwells as the Lewmars are smoother and have a better low gear.
https://www.lewmar.com/Winch-Selection-Guide

 

[PGIJon]

As always, thank you Claude... Picture really helps, quick question... is the forward port winch accessible from the aft cabin? Is the access easy? Thanks.. Jon

 

[kloudie1]

There are 6" access ports cut into the liner under the winches.. Thought I had pictures but they are the ones where the cover does a 1/4 turn twist off..

 

[seadaddler]

I would love to upgrade to electric winches are electric winches included,a few years ago
a friend added2 electric winches on his Catalina with a bogo sale at WM.
Nick

 

[markwbird]

I replaced the jib sheet winches with Lewmar ST 46's and I replaced the cabin top winches with Lewmar 40's. The 40's are a bit much but they are good for use with a spinnaker when needed. The replacement of the winches is the single best improvement that I have made. The Maxwells are crap.

 

[kloudie1]

Like these..: https://www.westmarine.com/deck-plates
Can't recall if 6 or 8 inch. also one under the original winch

 

[PGIJon]

I would love to upgrade to electric winches are electric winches included,a few years ago a friend added2 electric winches on his Catalina with a bogo sale at WM.
Nick

Hi Nick...
The ad showed electric ones... so I assume that the answer is yes..... Will you replace or add to the existing ones? -Jon

 

[PGIJon]

I like Claude's set up with 6 winches.....
Claude... Do you have two deck plates in the aft cabin now?

I agree with Mark! 40's on the cabin top do seem a bit big....
Mark... Did you have any problems with the base being too large in diameter?

 

[PGIJon]

I'm thinking about 30's or 40's Aft and 16's or 30's on the cabin top.... would the 30 and/or the 16 be too small? -Jon

 

[kloudie1]

Yup, One plate under each winch on port side..
EDIT: The old Maxwells on the cabin top have a nylon main bushing which absorbs water, swells, and acts like a brake on the winch input shaft.. the drum still works freely but they get hard to turn with a handle.. I have pulled the bushing a couple of times and reamed them out to get 'em working again.. I think one day they'll stop swelling.. I mean it has only been 32 years..

 

[seadaddler]

I sure am thinking about replacing my Jib winches at the helm with electric and will
go down to my boat and check things for fit.
Also will be talking to friends on my canal and PGSC members for advice when they got the same BOGO
deal and info with the install.
Nick

 

[uncledom]

@seadaddler some Lewmars are conversion ready to electric. No need to repurchase the winch just need the motor. I unfortunately don’t know if it’s obvious aside from a sticker that has a habit of falling off.

 

[seadaddler]

Well a friend did get electric winches last time WM had the bogo
sale and not sure which way he went.
I will be contacting this friend and will check with WM what is available and which way to go.
Nick

 

[kloudie1]

From the Lewmar website, the wording tends to say that the electric drive kits are for EVO models only.. Might be worth a call to see what models the kit might actually drive.
I don't think the WM sale would extend to the drive upgrade kits, but that might be worth a call too..
https://www.lewmar.com/node/12091

 

[seadaddler]

The sale is from the 15 to 25 of this month and will be stopping
By my 2 WM stores for more info and Lewmar site.
Nick

 

[seadaddler]

Here is a nother option and if there is a problem fitting the electric
winches at the helm.
I know some have the winch rite which I think got some not all good reviews and some one with a 356 who got the makitada right
angle portable drill could be used on all 4 of my winches.
Has any body used either one.
Nick

 

[PGIJon]

The sale is from the 15 to 25 of this month Nick

Nick... the 2 for 1 sale is only for 4 days... beginning today the 15th.... -Jon

 

[seadaddler]

Yes your are right PG and do that all the time lately don’t read all the info,I got a circular
and some stuff on sale from 15 to 25 but the winches only 4 days .
I guess need to work fast to see if they will fit at my helm winches.
Nick

 

[seadaddler]

I stop by WM in PC today and talked to them about the sale can the whole new 40st winch
for 2600.00 plus tax.
I will be going by a friend in PG who made the change and will see what they look
like under with the size of the motor and than hopefully can see how much room
I have for the motor below under the winch.
I want to check and see if my outhaul starboard cabin top and furling port cabin top lines
will reach these winches and even maybe for the pull up of my dinghy on the motor side.
My 110 jib is not that much work winching in and want the winches to be able to do it all.
Nick