INSTALLING NEW WINCHES

[drewsyntax]

Hi Guys -
Picked up a pair of new old stock / out of the box sheet winches for the H23.
Attached are a couple pics - I was thinking of putting them on for the last couple sails before winter hits and the boat comes on land.

Is this a big job / should I just wait tiL spring? I want to use the best old one to convert the boat to single hand in the spring.

A couple specific questions on installing these -
1. Drilling holes to mount the new Winches, what shall I use to patch the old ones from the stock maxwells? Fiberglass/epoxy? Or will just some 5200.

2. Anyone used those teak plates to lift up the winches - is that worthwhile endeavor?
I was def thinking to put a backing plate in the cabin side.

3. Check out these winches - there is a little grease (I have no idea) - but was thinking I should pack them prior to installing them on the boat. Any recommendations?

Photos attached + thanks!

 

[Michael Davis]

When I changed winches on my old E-28 I filled the old bolt holes with thickened epoxy. Winches should be lightly greased, light oil on the springs and pawls. I don't think you'll want to raise those winches, it's the angle that the sheets enter that's important.

 

[isaksp00]

I'd use either thickened epoxy or if you don't have the thickening powder maybe some glass cloth - this isn't a structural fix, just sealing the holes. If the holes are large enough you may need some cloth for support. I dont think glue alone would be good. Will the larger winch base fit in the deck recess?

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I think you hav access thru the screwed in ceiling plate below on the cabin ceiling. First make sure whether or not the holes align with old holes. If not, good advice has been given but do put something underneath so no droppings come down

 

[finefurn]

Updated some of the winches on my H27 a few years ago, The older ones were installed directly onto the fiberglass with nothing more the large fender washers underneath. There was consiterable spider cracking around the bolt holes. I filled the holes with West systems thickened epoxy, I counter sunk the holes to get a larger epoxy to FG bond. Put a 3/8" teak block under the new winch slightly larger than the winch itself, approx. 3/4" all around and a much larger backing plate of 3/16" SS under the FG deck. So far seems to be working out perfectly, The teak base make a pleasing platform for the winch as well as providing a larger surface contact area.

 

[drewsyntax]

Hi All - Thanks for the replies + info. Sorry for my slow reply!
Isaks - the new ones fit pretty well size wise in those wells, or appear to. I tried to take off the maxwells - but the top main large screw is seized up.
I'm going back out there to try again tmrw or worst case I'll wait to get the boat on land and do it right in the spring (hack saw off the screws that hold the maxwells to the deck

I picked up a really nice 3/4 hard oak at home depot - I had them cut to rectangles that will fit on the inside of the cabin as backing plates.
Drilled em out / all new bolts and stainless nuts are ready to go on.

Unfortunately the bolts do not line up - but great tips from above as I have epoxy ready to go to fill in the old holes.

I'll definitely post pictures once I get it done - I just hope it is tomorrow!