Aluminum winch on a saltwater boat - Good or bad idea?

Rich Stidger

Rich Stidger

.
Feb 10, 2004
4,102
Hunter 40.5 Warwick, RI
I have a broken electric winch that I may or may not be able to repair. This Lewmar winch is obsolete and no parts are available.

One possibility is that I could replace the winch, and there is a Lewmar EVO electric winch available on eBay but it has an anodized aluminum drum. A new chrome winch is about $4000, and this aluminum winch is about $2000. So I am considering it as a possibility.

I realize that aluminum and saltwater don't play nice together, but I am wondering in this application how bad of a choice this could be.

Any advice from people who actually have an aluminum drum winch in a salt water application?
 
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JamesG161

JamesG161

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Feb 14, 2014
7,751
Hunter 430 Waveland, MS
ok I can suggest only.

Anodized Aluminum is protected by its pre-oxidized surface.
Once this worn or nicked off, no more corrosion protection.

Jim...
 
jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,882
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Rich.
Lewmar identifies the EVO winch as the evolution of the traditional Ocean Winch that is popular.
Improvements abound. Mostly in the ease of servicing the winch. This encourages more frequent servicing improving your trim performance.
You can buy the non electric version and later when desired install the motor to power the winch (dependent on winch size).
www.sail-world.com

Lewmar EVO Winches - Made to Last

Lewmar's flagship EVO® winch range is an evolution of their Ocean range which they claim is the most popular winch ever made. This is due to their widespread use by volume boat builders who prioritise ease of use / maintenance and reliability.
www.sail-world.com www.sail-world.com
They talk about the drum as being an "alloy". The drums come in several options; Alloy Black, Alloy Grey, and Crome Bronze.

I purchased my ST45's during a WM BOGO event. I am very pleased with their performance. Mine have sat out exposed to the elements. I have not noticed any deterioration in the metal surface. I will be servicing them before I head out sailing the next 10 days. I'll let you know if I see any interior issues.
 
Rich Stidger

Rich Stidger

.
Feb 10, 2004
4,102
Hunter 40.5 Warwick, RI
jssailem said:
I purchased my ST45's during a WM BOGO event. I am very pleased with their performance. Mine have sat out exposed to the elements. I have not noticed any deterioration in the metal surface. I will be servicing them before I head out sailing the next 10 days. I'll let you know if I see any interior issues.
Click to expand
Are your winches either the black or grey aluminum alloy?
 
jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,882
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
I bought the Grey Alloy.
IMG_1592.jpeg
 
rgranger

rgranger

.
Jan 19, 2010
12,553
Hobie 16 & Rhodes 22 Skeeter Charleston
I did a Google search on anodized aluminum services and about a dozen places popped up. If the winch you buy shows up with a few nicks or abrasions, you certainly could get it re-anodized for a lot less than a stainless steel drum would cost.
 
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jviss

jviss

.
Feb 5, 2004
7,089
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
Rich Stidger said:
Badly worn. I'm consulting with my machinist today to determine if it can be saved.
Click to expand
I think it probably can. I now recall it looked like the bore was badly worn. I would guess it could be sleeved. Or, worst case, a "standard" bronze gear modified/fitted to it.

If you decide to scrap that winch please let me know! I would love to have an electric halyard winch, but the budget doesn't allow it now.

jv
 
dLj

dLj

.
Mar 23, 2017
4,301
Belliure 41 Back in the Chesapeake
Rich Stidger said:
I have a broken electric winch that I may or may not be able to repair. This Lewmar winch is obsolete and no parts are available.

One possibility is that I could replace the winch, and there is a Lewmar EVO electric winch available on eBay but it has an anodized aluminum drum. A new chrome winch is about $4000, and this aluminum winch is about $2000. So I am considering it as a possibility.

I realize that aluminum and saltwater don't play nice together, but I am wondering in this application how bad of a choice this could be.

Any advice from people who actually have an aluminum drum winch in a salt water application?
Click to expand
I see I'm a bit late to this, but my anchor winch is aluminum. Seems to work fine. I'd guess the aluminum alloy being used is quite resistant to sea water corrosion. I would not hesitate to use it.

dj
 
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jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,882
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Tough bullet to have to bite. Let us know how the new winch works out. I think you will be pleased.
 
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