Winch Maintenance

[Beneteau 321]

We have a 1997 Beneteau 321 (new to us) The primary winches are Lewmar Ocean series 2 speed self trailing # 40s
Started to service winches (complete strip down)The problem I ran into I am unable to remove the largest gear set due to the positioning of the opening for the gear and the positioning of the coming.Is it possible to remove this gear pak without removing the winch base.

 

[joker460]

You shouldn't have to remove the winch base.

These vids may be of use:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_MjOJYYZ4A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZr_NuCmB64&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esBfcnuCDhM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp-gx6ehtGM&feature=related

Good Luck

 

[jsalley]

I have the same problem on my Catalina 309. The inboard bottom of the winches are slightly recessed into the coaming. I was unable to fully disassemble them, but cleaned and lubed the main gears with long q-tips as best I could. Let us know if you find a better way!

 

[Scott B]

I've uploaded the Lewmar Service Manual to the SBO site. Don't know if it'll help or not.

 

[dvantong]

I had a tough time with my 321, I managed to get it out but not without scraping the gel cote a little

 

[Beneteau 321]

I had a tough time with my 321, I managed to get it out but not without scraping the gel cote a little

That was my next plan use a Dremmel rotary tool and cut out a pocket to allow gears to pass then coat raw edge

 

[Benjamin Disralei]

With general sailing say twice a week (day sailing) how often do winches require servicing or is this a yearly practice, would like to know the symptoms if there are any to note as to when the winches require servicing.

 

[Beneteau 321]

An update on servicing the primary winches on our B 321.
Contacted Beneteau and the only non destructive way to service these winches is to remove winch completely.
Thanks for all your help

 

[joker460]

That's a poor design.

I would have a spacer plate made up out of Stainless Steel, about 1/8" thk and the diameter of the winch base. It shouldn't cost that much.

That should raise the winch base enough that the gears will clear of the coaming for future winch servicing.

Just a Thought:dance: