You don't need to take the bases off but that doesn't mean you can't take all the parts off and clean them at home - that I what I do. The first time you do it will take the most time. If you clean them annually or semi-annually afterward, you may be able to do each one in 15-20 minutes. We use plastic "shoebox" containers that cost $1 each at target to hold each set of winch parts - everything but the drums will fit in. Lewmar has schematics for each of their winches to ease in reassembly. They also have winch maintenance kits (which include the schematics but you can also get them on their website) with the pawls, springs, oil and grease for reassembly. I use mineral spirits and a lot of old toothbrushes to clean except on the plastic parts - those are just rubbed clean. Apply the minimum of grease and oil when putting back together.
