keel winch problem dropping keel

[justsomeguy]

Thanks for the maintenance discussion and information. I notice the winch is a little lose at one of the mounting bolts and the entire winch seems to flex the fiberglass at the mounting point when cranking up the keel weight. I consider taking the winch down cleaning and servicing it per the manual.

** Should I install a back plate of plywood or metal between the winch and the fiberglass when remounting?
thanks James

Yes, a backing plate should be there, but outside, as in the photo.
Additionally, the fibreglass there is fairly thick, and also supported by the bulkhead.
I'd inspect both of those possible issues, too.

 

[Kestle]

Thanks for the maintenance discussion and information. I notice the winch is a little lose at one of the mounting bolts and the entire winch seems to flex the fiberglass at the mounting point when cranking up the keel weight. I consider taking the winch down cleaning and servicing it per the manual.

** Should I install a back plate of plywood or metal between the winch and the fiberglass when remounting?
thanks James

I'm not sure what you mean here Jeff? A piece of pvc at the point where the tube attaches to the hull fitting where the cable enters?
thanks James

The bottom of the tube attaches to the hull; the top of the tube on mine was open. I cut a circular plug of plastic and drilled a hole thru it. When I assembled it, I ran the cable from the winch thru the plug, then ran it thru the tube, and then ran it thru the hull to the keel.

Only after I did this, did I insert the plug into the tub and attach the tube to the hull.

The plug was one inch high PVC to reduce plug wear from friction.

Jeff

 

[jmczzz]

i get it now good idea, thanks Jeff

 

[Tsatzsue]

Thanks for the maintenance discussion and information. I notice the winch is a little lose at one of the mounting bolts and the entire winch seems to flex the fiberglass at the mounting point when cranking up the keel weight. I consider taking the winch down cleaning and servicing it per the manual.

** Should I install a back plate of plywood or metal between the winch and the fiberglass when remounting?
thanks James


I'm not sure what you mean here Jeff? A piece of pvc at the point where the tube attaches to the hull fitting where the cable enters?
thanks James

I used a piece of aluminum diamond plate cut to the size of the top of the winch housing. Drilled out the mounting holes and it is perfect. I still see a flex when the cable jumps on the spool when lowering but it is more solid than the factory setup.