Difficult winch

[Vince]

I have 1984 O'DAY sailboat with a winch which is very difficult to operate. The winch which is mounted horizontally on the port side of the mast bearly turns. The previous owners must not have used this winch very often. What is the best way to rebuild, relube or replace?

 

[Bob]

How to clean

Hi,You should find a flat overlapping spring holding the drum in place. Remove that using a screw driver blade to peel up and out. With the drum off you will be able to see if the winch has damaged gears or bearings. Most likely it is years of dirt.Good luck. Bob

 

[Walter Jones]

Winches (no not the first mate)

West Marine has the proper oil & grease and parts kits for most winches. They should be serviced every season.

 

[Herb Schiessl]

Save the parts

When you are taking the winch apart, you may want to put a cardboard box around or under the winch so that the parts don't fall out or overboard.

 

[Mike]

NOT a difficult job...

Check the archives of this site for lots of info/opinions on winch servicing. I was forced last season to service a winch for the first time. I have single-speed non-selftailing models, and it turned out to be quite simple. Get a copy of the manual for your winch from the manufacturer. I got mine from Lewmar (who somehow managed to find a service manual for my 23 year old winches); it made the whole thing easy. A screwdriver, some rags, acetone and winch grease, and the thing sounds like new.