Winch drum texture

[Ted]

Any suggestions for re-texturing the surface of a winch drum. Has anyone actually done this and were you happy with the results? I have two pairs of winches which can use some help. The drum materials are stainless steel and chromed bronze. I realize that the chrome drums will have to be re-plated afterward. Thanks.

 

[Ross]

just take an extra turn.

 

[sand sailor]

if you scar them up they will eat your lines three laps on a smooth winch has more hold than your lines can handle anyway

 

[Allan12210]

I think a machine shop can re-knurl them for you quite easily. They can create a pattern then give it a flat surface so it is just like an original.

 

[Ross]

My winch drums are smooth and my two speed Barents will take four turns of 1/2 inch line. I can crank them in low gear and tail with one hand with no slippage.

 

[RAD]

This may sound dumb but how about an epoxy mix with sand

 

[catsailor]

Before you get into all of that, try wraping them with something.

First, I agree that smooth drums are fine. 4 turns will break the line if asked to. I have both types, same size, side-by-side. There is very little difference.

Try some athletic tape or non-skid tape. I think you may find it doesn't help much and it makes easing more difficult.

 

[Ron20324]

I think a machine shop can re-knurl them for you quite easily. They can create a pattern then give it a flat surface so it is just like an original.

Or a motorcycle shop that makes custom bikes. They machine-knurl the hand grips and foot pegs.

 

[rpwillia]

I think what Allan was asking was ...

Can he get his winches re-chromed? That would be interesting to see if that can be done easily.

 

[RAD]

Here's another thought...go to Special Sauce (skateboard joint in Bay Shore) and get some of the deck material, you could ask them for some of the cut off scrap that they throw away and that stuff will stay on a winch for ever
BTW are you the Ted that has H2OT on "C" dock in BS Marina

 

[Ted]

Thanks for all the creative suggestions. I agree that additional wraps will do a fine job of keeping the sheet from slipping. The additional wraps also makes it a bit slow when you're racing. If you put the extra wrap on before you load the sheet it is more likely you can get an override. It also takes a bit longer to cast off the sheet when tacking. A second here and there can really add up at the end of a race. I have a pair of Barient self tailing winches that I was thinking about refurbishing this winter and wanted to explore some options regarding the textured surface. I have heard that knurling was a possibility but haven't spoken to anyone with first hand experience yet. Most of the knurling I've seen on tools and motorcycles have been too aggressive a texture and would probably eat up a sheet pretty quickly. The texture on another pair of stainless steel drums I have looks like they have a sand blasted finish. I think that if the surface was chrome plated after being sand blasted, it would fill in much of the texture. Thanks again and please keep the ideas coming.

RAD (Robert?), yes that's me on "C" dock. I don't think we've met yet. I see that you are a member of the SBCC too. Small world.

 

[Ross]

Learn to spin the line off the drum. My sailing partner and I can move from the starboard winch to the port winch while the head of the boat passes the wind and trim the jib before the sheet is loaded.

 

[RAD]

Ted,
Interesting thread about Barient winches cause on Saturday I crewed for Lady Jane (Green Ranger)in the Discovers race and the Barient 10 gave me trouble and today I was researching maybe they can be rebuilt
I keep Free Spirit on "B" dock