Wench?
Elizabeth,Sounds like you are describing a wench. Have you called where ever you got the boat and asked about the problem? Most dealers and individuals will at least tell you what the problems are/were and should be the best source of advice.Remember that you have to keep pressure on the tail of the line as you crank the wench. If you don't, the wench will turn under the line and the line will not pull the sail up. If the wench turns clockwise with a clicking sound, but not counter clockwise, the wench might be ok. Compare the one you said is malfunctioning with the other and see if there is a difference in the operation without the line attached. . If it is malfunctioning they are generally pretty simple and inexpensive to repair. If you have to replace, finding one that matches the other one will be quite hard and expensive. If you have to repair, I would recomend that you get the manufacturers name and size from the wench. Generally it is cast or fixed to the top of the wench. Then head over to your closest Boat US, West Marine or another similar store in your area. Before your sailing career is over you will make many trips to this store so find one you like. Get a kit to rebuild that brand of wench. They generally cost around $35. Follow the directions closely, especially when assembling, and be careful that you don't lose any of the parts during disassembly or reassembly. If it is malfunctioning it is probably a broken or slipped spring or a pawl improperly installed from an earlier rebuild. While you are at the store it might be a good investment to find a basic sailing fundamentals book. One that is appropriate for your purposes would only cost $10-$15 and would help you master the workings of the boat. Good luck with your new hobby and let us know how the wench problem turns out.Less/v Mutual Fun