older-style winch handle

[tlochhaas]

Does anyone know of an inexpensive source for the older-style Lewmar
winch handle (5/8 stud for winches in 1972 and earlier)?

I finally did it after 3 years: sailing solo in about 25 knots, bounced
off a big wave in the middle of a tack just as I moved the handle to the
winch -- and dropped it overboard.

I didn't have a backup on board because I've resisted paying West Marine
$140 for the old style handle (new style are $25 up, of course, but we
older boat types are really exploited!). I'd hoped to find an old one
used somewhere but haven't succeeded. If anyone happens to have one to
sell, or knows of a source cheaper than the only old-style one I've
found so far in the catalogs, I'd appreciate hearing about it!

Tom
Allegro
Vega 1240 1971

 

[theluckyfrogannandaleva]

i have about 5 winch handles aboard my singoella... i will drive down and
check the size.. the boat is from 1970 so the winches should be the same....
email me..

dan
theluckyfrog@...

 

[hielke007]

1) a Gibb model 566-length 215 mm will fit (have a look on the internet and
buy one for +/- $ 50.00)

2) But the real tip -thank you Arend Schram- is to buy a standard 8-pointed
18 mm winch handle (around $30.00) take a file and grind off 4 points until
you end with a square of 15.8 mm. (rather easy, the cheaper ones are made of
aluminium) This fits exactly in your browne/bronze Lewmar No.8 (or 7) which
where fitted on the \'72 Vega. See if you can find a cheaper winch handle
without a lock (otherwise you\'ll have to dismount -unscrew- the locking
mechanism)

But now I have a question too
Does anyone know where to buy a replacement reefing handle for the "older
style" main roller reefing mechanism? Anybody want to sell it to me? (I will
probably have my mainsail & boom refitted this winter to slab reefing
anyway)
Hielke
V1033 Drivfjäder
Holland

 

[lastgaspid]

I lost my "square" roller reefing main handle last July. I have Vega 3233 laid in 1977. The mast is "Harken" and I had no luck finding a square winch set until I found one in Mass. It was sent via UPS and pilfered by my neighbor. Last one, one of a kind. Settled for a "Star" set and ground off the 4 points and it works great. Sorry they don't make square sets that I know of. It took me 3 months to run this line.
Best of luck, I found one old LEWMAR with a square set but it would drop like a stone because its all metal and 12 inches long. The sailor next to me at the marina had an extra handle. "GO FIGURE" Its a classic.

Dave
V 3233