Winch handles?

[Bob S]

I just purchased my first boat this fall a Catalina 30. I did sail a little with my father on his Gulfstar 39. I notices on my boat that the winch handle bumps the dodger frame. I believe the dodger was ordered from Catalina by her original owner. Has anyone else seen this? It was quite annoying when in a hurry. Is the only answer a shorter handle?

 

[Ray Bowles]

Probably.

This far after the boat and dodger were produced there is little chance that what you are working with is original equipment. The easist solution is to visit a store such as West Marine and buy a handle that fits. There are probably 50 different handles available.You will find this true with just about any boat item or problem.Ray

 

[Joe]

winch technique

you will have to learn to "ratchet" the winch handle instead of spinning it 360 degrees. The winch drum only turns one way. On a one speed winch grinding the handle clockwise turns the drum, going counter clockwise it will ratchet. On two speed winches the counter clockwise grinding is "low" speed but the drum keeps turning clockwise. If the line is highly loaded, try tailing the winch by hand letting the drum spin when you grind in high gear. This will allow you to ratchet in low gear only.