Reversing the keel winch?

[RussC]

It seems like such a logical modification to flip the keel winch so the handle is accessed in the cockpit area instead of having to go below to operate it. but I don't find anything on a search for that. is there something I'm missing in thinking about doing this to my Mac 25?

Thanks,
Russ

 

[justsomeguy]

I wonder how much water will get through the hole you'd need for the handle, and whether the slight angle of the footwell there will interfere with the handle's swing.

 

[woodster]

go electric

 

[centerline]

the design was to eliminate exterior holes in the boat where water could intrude.
and most of us look for ways to un-clutter our cockpit, rather than add more stuff for lines to tangle on and stub our toes on....

in addition, you will crank the keel down after you launch the boat. and you will then crank it up once before you trailer it.... how many times will you be going in and out of the companionway between these two times?....so what is another time or two more to crank the winch handle?
if its in your way inside the boat, its only going to more in your way in the cockpit....

if you have access to a welder, its a quick and easy task to make the crank handle removable so it can be stowed out of the way, if its an issue. you can see the photos of how I did mine in my mac25 album.

there are a lot of things you can do to "tinker" on your boat to make it better and add value, rather than doing something that may reduce the value, make it less watertight or adding tripping/tangling issues to it...

 

[RussC]

Humm. I really don't see having the handle in the cockpit as a negative at all. quite the contrary. When I'm sailing alone, and close to the shore/dock, the last thing I want to do it abandon the helm to go below and fiddle with the winch. same goes if I grounded, or any number of other reasons for needing to raise or lower the winch. when you need to do it, you may need to do it quickly, and still have some control over the boat while doing so.
I'm reminded of one windy day when I was heading out in my Capri and forgot to drop the centerboard. there were several other boats near the dock, and when I raised the main to clear the area it took a wile to figure out why the boat didn't want to go where I wanted it to go. if I had to go below to drop the board that day, it would have been easy to collide with one or more other boats wile getting myself squared away.
I have considered the water intrusion into the cabin, but this modification would only require a hole slightly larger than the winch handle hub anyway, and it would be easy enough to fabricate a rubber shield/seal to greatly reduce any water intrusion there.
Wile digging around the web some more, I did come across one guy who has done this. Naturally I think I could do it better , but it does provide proof of concept.
http://s1131.photobucket.com/user/snotnosetommy/library/Macgregor M25 winch mod?sort=3&page=1

Russ

 

[centerline]

Humm. I really don't see having the handle in the cockpit as a negative at all. quite the contrary. When I'm sailing alone, and close to the shore/dock, the last thing I want to do it abandon the helm to go below and fiddle with the winch. same goes if I grounded, or any number of other reasons for needing to raise or lower the winch. when you need to do it, you may need to do it quickly, and still have some control over the boat while doing so.


Russ

if you already know, and have instances proving what you think is the best way, then what was the point of asking for our opinions?... what I said didnt disagree with what you asked, but it was letting you know the downsides to it was like you did ask for..
the designers built boats before the 25 with the winch handle in the cockpit, and I have had a boat before my 25 that had the winch handle in the cockpit.... surely someone with previous experiance may know the answer to your original question.

 

[RussC]

if you already know, then what was the point of asking for opinions?... what I said didnt disagree with what you asked, but it was letting you know the downsides to it was like you did ask for..

No need to take offense Centerline. it's not a right or wrong thing. I'm just asking for discussion and observations. also hoping someone here has actually done this modification that could share information on it.

peace,
Russ

 

[centerline]

but yes... you can cut a hole in the footwell and reverse the winch so the handle protrudes into the cockpit. easily done

 

[centerline]

No need to take offense Centerline. it's not a right or wrong thing. I'm just asking for discussion and observations. also hoping someone here has actually done this modification that could share information on it.

peace,
Russ

its not an offense thing here, cuz my skins tougher than bull hide.
but its more of a wonderment of why someone who seems to already know what they are going to do and has plenty of reasons to justify why, would ask for opinions, and then attempt to argue with reasoning... maybe they are just looking for agreement or confirmation of their idea?... when asking a question, we need to be open to all the responses we may get back, even if we dont like what we hear.
this happens often... and yes, I could have ignored you altogether, but I think we are all worthy of information and should have a reply to what we are seeking, but when one wants to argue against it, it needs to be noted so that the attempt at education doesnt just fade away, but is pressed a bit so that the next time the person wants to give/get information, they might realize the manner in what he/she is asking and to fully consider the reasonable responses he/she gets...

there are always enough responses given at times that can and should be dismissed or argued against.. but the sensible ones should be considered.

if one doesnt want to hear all the answers, they shouldnt ask the question in a forum.
no offense taken and none meant

 

[RussC]

OK…..., so that would be one no vote then... noted.
I surrender.

Russ

 

[LloydB]

The keel locking pin requires cabin entry but if you always sail in skinny water this kinda sounds like a reasonable solution. Personally I like the idea of minimum holes in the boat and an electric wench. Do you have a ratchet drive similar to the other guys mod you linked to? Now may be a good time to upgrade to a mechanical worm drive or electric.

 

[RussC]

The keel locking pin requires cabin entry but if you always sail in skinny water this kinda sounds like a reasonable solution. Personally I like the idea of minimum holes in the boat and an electric wench. Do you have a ratchet drive similar to the other guys mod you linked to? Now may be a good time to upgrade to a mechanical worm drive or electric.

Locking pin… huummm, that's a good point, and one that I hadn't thought of. I guess when leaving the dock the pin could wait until you're clear and away, etc. same coming in. but it would require some extra consideration and planning at times for sure. thanks for bringing that up.
I still can't see the hole required for the handle as a big issue. this would be 6" or so up from the cockpit floor, and quite a small entry point around the handle hub. plus, as I said, I would built a rubber seal at that point which would make it more water tight than…. the companion way door seal, for example.
An electric winch was a thought also, but requires pretty hefty battery power to opperate. and a dead battery would be an "issue" . the electric winch would also require a good safety switch so the keel didn't end up in the cabin with you by accident. naaaa, I like the KISS method.
I'm pretty sure my existing winch is OEM as it has some type of clutch system. it's not a ratchet type, as it can be partially lowered and stays in position without freewheeling.

Russ

 

[THECUSCUS]

Looks like it would be mighty awkward to crank in that location, as well as a real knuckle buster. I also dont like a hole with access to the cabin, so low in the cockpit. Be very wary any long periods between boat use thst your cockpit drain doesnt get glogged up.

 

[timebandit]

My concern would be the ability of some important line getting caught under or around the handle at a critical time.