Hey folks... I'm getting ready to take possesion of my first real boat, an '87 Catalina 30. (any suggestions for a new boat owner are appreciated!!) The broker suggested that an annual maintenance item includes taking apart/lubricating the winches. I guess I always figured that they were sealed against moisture etc. and that they were pretty much good for life. Anyone out there routinely lube their winches? If so, anyone want to point me in the direction of info on how to take apart Lewmar winches?? (2 #40's, 1 #16 and 1 #7) Thanks for the advice!! Jim
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It's easy
Jim, It's easy and even fun to clean and lube a winch. Check out the link below. Aint the internet wonderful?
Jim, It's easy and even fun to clean and lube a winch. Check out the link below. Aint the internet wonderful?
Wow! Thanks!
Chris... Thanks! Yeah, the 'net IS wonderful. I'll have to print that winch manual out and keep it for handy reference. Boy, the learning curve for this boat is gonna be vertical for QUITE a while, I'm guessing....
Jim
Chris... Thanks! Yeah, the 'net IS wonderful. I'll have to print that winch manual out and keep it for handy reference. Boy, the learning curve for this boat is gonna be vertical for QUITE a while, I'm guessing....
JimNot Vertical
Actually a vertical learning curve means your knowledge base is built up VERY quickly. A horizontal learning curve means it takes a long time to increase your knowledge base. In case anyone was interested.
Actually a vertical learning curve means your knowledge base is built up VERY quickly. A horizontal learning curve means it takes a long time to increase your knowledge base. In case anyone was interested.
It is fun
Cleaning and lubricating the winches is a fun relaxing annual activity for me. It starts by crossing off a day from work as it takes most of a day for all the winches and I hate to blow a weekend day doing it. West Marine sells a lewmar maintenance kit which includes replacement parts, grease, oil and a manual. I turn up the stereo, lay out the parts on the cockpit seat, get my coffee, pour some mineral spirits in a tin (to bath the winch parts) and start the process. Be careful to pay close attention to how things come apart so you can put things back the same way. Also, do everything calmly and slowly. Otherwise, small parts will want to go for a swim. Assuming the #40 is a two-speed self tailer, it will be the most complex. Once you do one of those, the others go easily. Don't overgrease and keep the greese off the springs. I replace all the springs and any pawls that look suspect. Have fun!
Cleaning and lubricating the winches is a fun relaxing annual activity for me. It starts by crossing off a day from work as it takes most of a day for all the winches and I hate to blow a weekend day doing it. West Marine sells a lewmar maintenance kit which includes replacement parts, grease, oil and a manual. I turn up the stereo, lay out the parts on the cockpit seat, get my coffee, pour some mineral spirits in a tin (to bath the winch parts) and start the process. Be careful to pay close attention to how things come apart so you can put things back the same way. Also, do everything calmly and slowly. Otherwise, small parts will want to go for a swim. Assuming the #40 is a two-speed self tailer, it will be the most complex. Once you do one of those, the others go easily. Don't overgrease and keep the greese off the springs. I replace all the springs and any pawls that look suspect. Have fun!
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