It was time to replace my 1984 keel winch.
Researching the part number I found this one was the latest version.
The handle was too long but an angle grinder with a cut off wheel took care of that. Cut the handle in half, trimmed another inch off, then bolted the two together.
The winch itself was a direct fit with no modifications needed.
I added larger stainless steel washers to the winch attachment bolts on top to help spread the load of the keel winch.
All done. Works perfectly. I should add that I changed out the keel winch with the boat in the water - I simply lowered the keel, ran out and disconnected the cable from the old winch, removed the old winch, attached the cable to the new winch, and lastly installed the new winch.
I also found that I could remove the "volcano" rubber hose without flooding the boat when a nut and washer slipped from my fingers and went directly down the tube. The water level was right at the lip though - make sure the aft end of your boat is sitting high in the water if you do this. Pro tip: - cover that hose opening before you work.
Researching the part number I found this one was the latest version.
The handle was too long but an angle grinder with a cut off wheel took care of that. Cut the handle in half, trimmed another inch off, then bolted the two together.
The winch itself was a direct fit with no modifications needed.
I added larger stainless steel washers to the winch attachment bolts on top to help spread the load of the keel winch.
All done. Works perfectly. I should add that I changed out the keel winch with the boat in the water - I simply lowered the keel, ran out and disconnected the cable from the old winch, removed the old winch, attached the cable to the new winch, and lastly installed the new winch.
I also found that I could remove the "volcano" rubber hose without flooding the boat when a nut and washer slipped from my fingers and went directly down the tube. The water level was right at the lip though - make sure the aft end of your boat is sitting high in the water if you do this. Pro tip: - cover that hose opening before you work.
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