Looks like an issue, the 1st issue with our Mac 25. While attached to the buoy the keel winch let go. It wasn’t noticed until we went to let the keel down. To our surprise it was already down. When we tried to lift it and hold, the winch would just try and free wheel. I was able to secure the winch handle with a strap and load it on the trailer without issue.
I just pulled the winch. Everything looks fine. I was able to loosen the nut and then the handle. I tried to tighten the handle and to my surprise the winch started working again. This winch is labeled DLB800. Research proves it was built 82 thru 1987. It may be the original winch on our 83. Everything looked good and was tight. My best guess, she has had a great service life. I think the threads in the handle slipped. I have located and received a replacement. I thought I would just share my experience and ask, do you tighten your handle (brake) regularly on your keel winch?
I just pulled the winch. Everything looks fine. I was able to loosen the nut and then the handle. I tried to tighten the handle and to my surprise the winch started working again. This winch is labeled DLB800. Research proves it was built 82 thru 1987. It may be the original winch on our 83. Everything looked good and was tight. My best guess, she has had a great service life. I think the threads in the handle slipped. I have located and received a replacement. I thought I would just share my experience and ask, do you tighten your handle (brake) regularly on your keel winch?