Jib Sheets Fouling in Winch Gap

Claude L.-Auger · Dec 27, 2014

If there is nothing under the bottom of the winches to prevent them from sitting properly, check under the coaming to verify that the thru-bolts holding the winches are tight enough. If you can tighten them (in sequence) it should bring the winches down. If you cannot sit them properly, then I'd suggest buying a piece of starboard 1/4" thick and make a spacer. Youl need to remove the winches but it will cure the problem. Good luck

Jackdaw · Dec 27, 2014

Thicker sheets???

A 1/4 inch gap is not big at all and probably typical for your winch. It would take a very thin sheet to get wedged in there.

Normally that gap is a mechanical feature of the winch, created when the drum is set on the gear pinion. I doubt tightening bolts will snug it much at all.

Ward H · Dec 27, 2014

Agree with Jackdaw. A new larger diameter jib sheet would be the easiest solution. What size is the line now? A 3/8" line shouldn't get caught and will be much easier on your hands.

Brian D · Dec 27, 2014

Sounds like he might be using 3/16" sheets. Yeah, move up to maybe 5/16" or higher, but don't go overboard.

Claude L.-Auger · Dec 27, 2014

I would agree that a larger diameter sheet would help, but I would also think that if a sheet large enough to not get pinched in the gap was used, then it might not get inserted properly in the jaws and hence run the possibility of slipping out when under tension, particularly if the winches are kind of old with the jaws showing some wear on the ribs.

Jackdaw I agree that the gap could be because of the drum set on the gear pinion. In that case I still think that a spacer would solve his problem. Simple enough to make a donut shape spacer, leaving space for whatever mechanical feature prevents it from seating on the coaming the drum anf filling the gap all around the base of the winch.

Sunbird22358 · Jan 4, 2015

Claude L.-Auger said:
I would agree that a larger diameter sheet would help, but I would also think that if a sheet large enough to not get pinched in the gap was used, then it might not get inserted properly in the jaws and hence run the possibility of slipping out when under tension, particularly if the winches are kind of old with the jaws showing some wear on the ribs.

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I seriously doubt that an O'DAY 23 would have self-tailing winches, so there are no "jaws".

Jackdaw · Jan 4, 2015

Claude L.-Auger said:
Jackdaw I agree that the gap could be because of the drum set on the gear pinion. In that case I still think that a spacer would solve his problem. Simple enough to make a donut shape spacer, leaving space for whatever mechanical feature prevents it from seating on the coaming the drum anf filling the gap all around the base of the winch.

Claude, That could very well be. Without seeing the actual winch in question, we're all in the dark!

31seahorse · Mar 1, 2015

Hello Earendil, By removing the winches you could do several things in the cold weather: (1) discover what that white ring is doing under the winch drum. (It might be a spacer installed by another owner and it might be wearing away??) (2) Replace or remove the ring. (depending on its usefulness) Starboard is a good product for spacers like that or perhaps for some backer plates. Small pieces are not too expensive and the starboard will last. (3) Inspect and Lubricate the winches in the warmth of your home. Phil

Jib Sheets Fouling in Winch Gap

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