When was the last time the winches were serviced? Had the glaciers retreated yet? Take the winches off so you can service them over the winter. It is much easier to clean them off the boat and when you drop something, it is on the floor, not the bottom. While the winches are off, drill the small hole to test the core. If it dry, you can sleep well knowing that the core is solid. If it is wet, fix it.
Next spring when the winches are remounted you will know they are secure and they will work much better.
Deferred maintenance is a death sentence for old boats.
