Lewmar Winch Identification

[Schwarz633]

I've had this 1982 Tartan 33R for a couple of years now and winch maintenance is on my to do list. The boat has (2) 46, (3) 30, and (1) 16. I don't know if these winches are original to the boat or not. I've looked at the documents I've found online, and have only confused myself. Current Standard, Early Standard, Wavegrip, Wavespring, Holdfast, I just can't tell.

Or do I just get some Lewmar grease and go at it? And just worry about replacement parts if I see something worn or broke?

 

[Calif. Ted]

All but the 30 are Ocean Series and can be disassembled (usually) by hand without tools. You will need some light machine oil for springs and prawls which are also most common parts needing replacement.
https://www.lewmar.com/mst_attachment/attachment/click/attachment_id/379/
Rebuild kits are available.
https://defender.com/en_us/lewmar-w...50a27fa511797bfe0e9&utm_term=4580153138713961

 

[dLj]

I've found that Lewmar supports even early models. You may wish to contact them and get the rebuild technical documents.

dj

 

[Barnacle Bill]

These can be easily taken apart so you can clean the parts, lubricate the bearings and pawls and reassemble. The two speed 30 has an expanding slip ring around the center where the winch handle fits in. Remove that with a small screw driver to get the ring off (find the end) and then that SS cap will lift right off and then you can pull the whole drum up and off which will expose the needle cage bearings, pawls, springs, etc. Quite simple indeed. Lube with a good winch lube (Lewmar sells it, Harken does too, etc. - I've actually been told by a West Marine employee that the West Marine winch lube they sell is no good, so based on his comment, I don't recommend that product). The self-tailing winches has divots in the center cap where you can take a tool and tap against those to spin off the center chrome piece. Then you can take a rubber mallet and strike it against the feeder/stripper arm to unscrew that and the winch drum will lift off exposing the guts. Clean and lubricate as needed. Reassemble. Make sure you don't throw parts overboard during the above process.

 

[kappykaplan]

Make sure you don't throw parts overboard during the above process.

A box around the winch will help.

 

[Tally Ho]

You can take one apart and take care to note the steps, which gears go where, etc. If you can’t get it back together, you can use the matched one as a guide.

I made this video when I tore down a Lewmar winch…

Not a bad way to document the process….


Greg

 

[Davidasailor26]

A box around the winch will help.

And a towel or blanket on the deck around it. Belt and suspenders.

 

[kappykaplan]

And a towel or blanket on the deck around it. Belt and suspenders.

Absolutely!

 

[jssailem]

@Schwarz633, how did the service on your winches go?

 

[Schwarz633]

@Schwarz633, how did the service on your winches go?

Well, I bought a bunch of stuff, but haven't gotten around to it yet. The boat just got hauled, once I complete winterizing it I'll probably give it a go. I've watched a few videos and it appears to be a pretty simple process.

 

[jssailem]

You got the essentials.

Many schools of thought on the "Grease" or Oils.
I have been using Lear Chemical products, specifically their corrosion block on the major bearing surfaces and their lighter-weight product ACF-50 on the pawls and springs.

Lear Chemical Research Corporation

Lear Chemical Research developing and compounding anti corrosion lubricants and greases, ACF-50, Corrosion Block, Corrosion Block Grease, Rust Block, effectively solving corrosion related problems in the Automotive, Aviation, Industrial, Marine, Motorcycle and Recreational industries.

www.learchem.com

I service the winches once a year. Generally, I service them on the boat with a cardboard box as a guard against objects leaping overboard and a cloth (e.g., pillow case) in the box to capture anything that might attempt to escape. So far, we are all getting along happily.

 

[BigEasy]

I spent a few extra dollars and bought the Lewmar grease & oil to ensure I was using the right stuff. With four winches on board, it’s enough to last a lifetime. I use the cardboard box technique also. Try to service & polish annually, but it usually is every couple of years. Soak parts in a deep container filled with mineral spirits to cut thru old grease & Clean with a stiff parts brush. Dry with an old towel. Use an acid brush to apply grease to gear surfaces & place a couple drops of oil on the pawls / spring. Apply metal polish to highly polished smooth surfaces only.