Maxwell Winches!

[sailorkoop]

Hi there,

I have a 1986 Hunter 25.5 and have an old MAXWELL winch on the starboard side that does not work. I was told by the Marina a new winch would be in excess of $2,000. I will row the boat before i do that.

Any ideas how and where i can get a cheaper winch if i buy a new one AND any ideas where to find old MAXWELL winches.......I understand ARCO, a company in Australia bought out all the old Maxwell winch parts. anyone ever have to deal woth them??

Open to any and all advice!

Thanks for your help!!

Sailorkoop

 

[MrUnix]

I have a 1986 Hunter 25.5 and have an old MAXWELL winch on the starboard side that does not work.

Which Maxwell winches do you have? The H23 uses Maxwell 14's and they are pretty simple to tear down and work on, so I would try fixing your existing winch before purchasing a new one. As for spare parts, you were told correct about Maxwell selling off their sheet winch division.. From their web sites FAQ:

Q.Where can I find spare parts for my Maxwell sheet winch?

A.Maxwell Marine have sold all their Sheet Winch spare parts and tooling to the Australian Yacht Winch Company known as ARCO. ARCO are world renowned as a source for spares for old Sheet Winches. Their contact details are www.arco-winches.com or telephone: +61 2 9623 2448 or fax: +61 2 9623 2265. Arco are based in New South Wales, Australia.

Depending on what's wrong with the winch, you may not need any parts but just a good cleaning and lube.. won't know until you tear it apart.

Cheers,
Brad

 

[Steve Dion]

Those small winches are not very expensive. You can get a Lewmar 16 two speed for under $400 new. Check around for used too!

I would suggest that you take it apart and inspect it. You may find that a good service will do the job.

BTW: What is it NOT doing?

 

[Steve Dion]

In fact here are some you can bid on!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Barl...at_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item33680e2aad

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Winc...at_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item4aab54d10d

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TWO-...at_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item43a740ef79

Look at ebay for more of them.

 

[lr172]

I just bought a H34 with Maxwell winches. I tore them down to rebuild. The guys at Arco were great. They sent me schematics and I wound up dropping and loosing a clutch piece, so ordered one and some springs. They work great.

They are fairly simple devices. I suggest you pull it apart and have a look. If you are mechanically inclined, you'll figure out the problem. I had to file down a couple parts from wear, but the job was straight forward.

Let me know if you need the emial address for the guys down under.

Larry

 

[sailorkoop]

Thats a lot for the great tips! Makes me feel a little better than the $2,000 number they were throwing around. What a grea resource this board is. Happy sailing and thanks again for your great advice and tips!

Sailorkoop

 

[kloudie1]

An old trick for working thse things is to get a box about 12" by 24" and cut a hole in the bottom just big enough for the winch to poke through into the box.. The sides should be about 12" high.. That will stop a lot of lost parts when you are assembling/disassembling.. Good Luck with them !