H34 Winches

[YVRguy]

Our Hunter 34 came from the previous owner with two Maxwell self-tailing winches for the jib sheets. The forward winches are smaller and not self tailing)

All of the winches are working fine but we only have one winch handle and I've been informed by my local experts that these winches are no longer made. Sure enough, I can't seem to find winch handles anywhere that will fit securely. My questions are:
A) Were these the stock winches sold new with the boat?
B) Does anyone know where I might obtain new or used winch handles?

It occurs to me as I write this that I'll need to supply the exact winch specs but I'll post this anyway in case anyone has some general information to offer.

Thanks

 

[splax]

I have the same winches on mine, so they are probably stock. I have been shopping for winch covers for mine, but haven't found ones I was sure would work.

 

[Don Crowther]

Doug
I think you will find that the handle sizes are universal. I've bought a few over the years and they have all fit. I have a couple that have locks that have to be moved in order to remove the handle from the winch. If you've got a dock neighbor that has a handle you could try it for size.

 

[Don Crowther]

Doug
After re-reading your post I have to ask is it the smaller winches that you are having problems finding handles for?

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Doug, I have the same winches and they are stock. I had bought a One-touch handle and it will not fiit. After lots of measurements, it seems that the shaft driver is not as deep as on the Lewmar, Barient, Barlow, etc. Years ago i bought SeaDog handles and they fit nicely. Attached is a picture showing the handle driver for the Seadog which fits the 24ST nicely and the longer OneTouch which fits all the other brands. Also a drawing showing the measurement I made of the Maxwell 24ST. One could possible machine down inside the shaft driver but i did not want to do that. Suggestion to dock neighbors if you can try their handles on your winches is excellent. Good luck

 

[Don Crowther]

Claude
I was thinking my halyard winches were stock but I'm guessing their not if my one handle fits all.

 

[heart of gold]

I have a 85' H34 and it came stock with Maxwell's and you are right, they are no longer made. ARCO winches of Australia took over the supply of replacement parts and I was in contact with them regarding handles, bearings etc. The standard winch handles in North America fit sloppy and the locking mechanisms dosen't work. If you have an original Maxwell handle it is gold. I would take it to a machine shop and have a few made.( I would buy one for sure) I added new Harken 46's forward of the original self tailing Maxwells as I though they were a little light and placed too far back for crew to use easily. I now use them for the spinnaker. I am in the process of replacing the halyard Maxwells with Harken self tailers as if there is one place it is handy to have them, this is it. It is too bad that Maxwell stopped making sheet winches as they are pretty bomber.

 

[Don Crowther]

Doug
There's quite a few handles on e-bay don't know if they will fit but worth while having a look.
Good luck

 

[YVRguy]

Doug There's quite a few handles on e-bay don't know if they will fit but worth while having a look. Good luck

Thanks Don

 

[Fast Ed]

I bought Titan floaters and they fit when the self locking mechanism is removed.

 

[Guillaume C.]

I have some Andersen locking handles that fit well in the self-tailing Maxwell. My originals Maxwell and non-locking and a bit longer, I prefer to use them

 

[heart of gold]

Originals

I have some Andersen locking handles that fit well in the self-tailing Maxwell. My originals Maxwell and non-locking and a bit longer, I prefer to use them

You have original handles? If you were to have one copied I would buy it.