Stowing Winch Handles

Apr 11, 2020
766
MacGregor 26s Scott's Landing, Grapevine TX
Many winch pockets also double as a beer can holder in a pinch :beer:
That's what I like so much about the Get Wet Organizers from Organized Obie. Winch handle, sail ties, gloves, drinks, sometimes all of these. Very versatile, removable, and washable. No holes to drill, either.
 

jviss

.
Feb 5, 2004
7,089
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
That's what I like so much about the Get Wet Organizers from Organized Obie. Winch handle, sail ties, gloves, drinks, sometimes all of these. Very versatile, removable, and washable. No holes to drill, either.
Thanks. I can't find the ones that don't require holes. The ones I found say "Stayput® fasteners require screws for mounting and are included with this product."
Can you point me towards the ones to which you refer, please?

jv
 
Apr 11, 2020
766
MacGregor 26s Scott's Landing, Grapevine TX
Thanks. I can't find the ones that don't require holes. The ones I found say "Stayput® fasteners require screws for mounting and are included with this product."
Can you point me towards the ones to which you refer, please?

jv
That odd. I wonder if we are looking at the same product. Here's that link again:


I don't see any mention of the use of Stayput fasteners at the product page. Note the mention of "YKK SNADs" in the copy at the linked page.
 

jviss

.
Feb 5, 2004
7,089
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
That odd. I wonder if we are looking at the same product. Here's that link again:


I don't see any mention of the use of Stayput fasteners at the product page. Note the mention of "YKK SNADs" in the copy at the linked page.
Thanks, yes, I was looking at the same company, slightly different product.
 
Aug 2, 2009
651
Catalina 315 Muskegon
Not a fan of the vinyl holders. Bunch of holes in the boat, and they get dirty looking quickly.

For many years, I've used a piece of PVC pipe from Home Depot. Big enough around for the winch shaft and bit to go in. And just long enough so that when you pull the winch handle out of it, the bit doesn't get hung up on the bottom lip of the pipe. So, length of shaft plus half an inch.

You just cut the stuff with a handsaw, and the writing on it comes off with acetone. Clean up your rough cut with some sandpaper. I drill a couple holes about an inch from the top, about an inch or so apart, and do the same thing about an inch from the bottom. Then thread some cord through the holes to attach it top and bottom to a stanchion or in my case, the forward upright of the stern railing.

They don't need a bottom, because the grip portion of the winch handle keeps the handle from falling through. I don't recall the diameter of pipe I used, but it must be close to 3", so jamming the handle in there is quick and easy.

Bear in mind, I'm in Michigan, but I've yet to see one of these turn yellow from UV. And they look just fine. Nobody notices them. In my case, they're just a few inches from each of my Genoa winches. I should add another one to attach to my dodger supports so I could have a third winch handle for the cabin top winches for the halyards.

And, you can't beat the price.
 

jviss

.
Feb 5, 2004
7,089
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
Not a fan of the vinyl holders. Bunch of holes in the boat, and they get dirty looking quickly.

For many years, I've used a piece of PVC pipe from Home Depot. Big enough around for the winch shaft and bit to go in. And just long enough so that when you pull the winch handle out of it, the bit doesn't get hung up on the bottom lip of the pipe. So, length of shaft plus half an inch.

You just cut the stuff with a handsaw, and the writing on it comes off with acetone. Clean up your rough cut with some sandpaper. I drill a couple holes about an inch from the top, about an inch or so apart, and do the same thing about an inch from the bottom. Then thread some cord through the holes to attach it top and bottom to a stanchion or in my case, the forward upright of the stern railing.

They don't need a bottom, because the grip portion of the winch handle keeps the handle from falling through. I don't recall the diameter of pipe I used, but it must be close to 3", so jamming the handle in there is quick and easy.

Bear in mind, I'm in Michigan, but I've yet to see one of these turn yellow from UV. And they look just fine. Nobody notices them. In my case, they're just a few inches from each of my Genoa winches. I should add another one to attach to my dodger supports so I could have a third winch handle for the cabin top winches for the halyards.

And, you can't beat the price.
Excellent! You could probably even "mold" them into ovals using heat, too! :)
 
Mar 26, 2011
3,609
Corsair F-24 MK I Deale, MD
I've tested all sorts for mags.

My favorite, and what I just installed, are made from 2-inch PVC pipe. The advantage is that they can be installed in a corner, in dead space, which no other suggestion or commercial product can.
  • Angle the cut and the handle will stay against the bulkhead.
  • A few inches longer than the handle.
  • The bottom is open, so no junk or mold.
  • They can be well secured with VHB tape (proper prep!), so no fasteners.
Very clean, very compact, very fast.

They do not fit fat handles unless you go up a size. I don't like fat handles.
 
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jviss

.
Feb 5, 2004
7,089
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
I've tested all sorts for mags.

My favorite, and what I just installed, are made from 2-inch PVC pipe. The advantage is that they can be installed in a corner, in dead space, which no other suggestion or commercial product can.
  • Angle the cut and the handle will stay against the bulkhead.
  • A few inches longer than the handle.
  • The bottom is open, so no junk or mold.
  • They can be well secured with VHB tape (proper prep!), so no fasteners.
Very clean, very compact, very fast.

They do not fit fat handles unless you go up a size. I don't like fat handles.
Yes, but...not very "yacht-ey." :)

I get it, they probably work great! I'm looking for something that works and also fits in with the aesthetics of my boat. I am also shy about drilling holes on the boat. :)
 
Mar 26, 2011
3,609
Corsair F-24 MK I Deale, MD
^^

A. Form follows function. Winches are often in corners of cockpits.
B. In fact, with smooth cuts and carefully fitted into a corner, they disappear from view, more so than other holders.
C. If I really wanted "yachty," I would make a very similar design from thin teak boards, that also fit neatly into a corner. Or fiberglass or PVC appearance board or Starboard. But teak could be pretty.
 
Jan 7, 2011
5,259
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
^^

A. Form follows function. Winches are often in corners of cockpits.
B. In fact, with smooth cuts and carefully fitted into a corner, they disappear from view, more so than other holders.
C. If I really wanted "yachty," I would make a very similar design from thin teak boards, that also fit neatly into a corner. Or fiberglass or PVC appearance board or Starboard. But teak could be pretty.
would like to see a photo...sounds like a clean installation.

Greg
 
Mar 26, 2011
3,609
Corsair F-24 MK I Deale, MD
The first was screwed on and used for mast winch handles. The reason for the angle cut is that sheets sometimes droop there, and the angle prevented all snags.

The second was actually a recycled rod holder, and despite the holes, is actually secured with VHB tape. Note the top cut angle to keep the handle against the bulkhead. Very slick in use.

Both are less in the way than the commercial holders they replaced.




 

jviss

.
Feb 5, 2004
7,089
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
I'm "restoring" a couple pf winch handles now. I was thrilled to get two used Harken chrome 10" winch handles on eBay for $85. I only had one before. One had a broken locking mechanism, and one was missing the cap on the grip. I contacted Harken and got a parts book for the winch handles, and found all the parts I needed online; I think all these sellers just list them and drop-ship from Harken. Best price was Mauripro.

The chrome plating is very thick on these, and even my own, very corroded one polished up beautifully! So, after $85 +$15 shipping and $40 for parts (mine was missing the grip cap, too), I'll have three really nice chrome winch handles. Now, to get to how to stow them onboard.... :)

You can probably tell I'm a big fan of Harken.
 
Jan 7, 2011
5,259
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
The first was screwed on and used for mast winch handles. The reason for the angle cut is that sheets sometimes droop there, and the angle prevented all snags.

The second was actually a recycled rod holder, and despite the holes, is actually secured with VHB tape. Note the top cut angle to keep the handle against the bulkhead. Very slick in use.

Both are less in the way than the commercial holders they replaced.




Looks nice.
 
Mar 26, 2011
3,609
Corsair F-24 MK I Deale, MD
What cracked me up at the last boat show was the number of boats with "fake" carbon fiber finishes on countertops and bulkheads. That's just embarrassing. Stupid when I see it in cars too. They get negative points from me every time I see it.
 
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