Winch question

[Brian D]

My Lancer 27 use to have the halyards run aft to the cockpit. There is now a 5-bolt star pattern on the deck where the winch use to be.Do all winchs use the same type mounting pattern, 5-bolt (or so) in a star (or so) type pattern? I think the original winch may have been a Lewmar 16.Thanks

 

[PaulK]

No

Each winch outfit thinks it has the best configuration possible. Though many seem to use five bolts for attaching their stuff to the deck or cabintop, you will find that they all differ by a maddening 1/16 of an inch, or perhaps .25cm. Marinetex is made for filling in the old holes so you can drill new ones (and properly wet them out with epoxy and bed them so they don't leak) and then install your new equipment. Invite a friend over to help you while you do this, and share a beer or two, and you will not only have better winches and dryer decks, but better friends too.