Winch Removal

[Gary Baggett]

I am preparing to service the winches on my H290 and have the service instructions from Lewmar. My question, do I have to remove the winches to service them (hope not)! Must I be aware of "loose parts" when removing the drum? Viewing the diagrams, it appears that servicing should be possible without removing the winches from the cabin top. Thanks in advance!

 

[Jeff]

In water?

You shouldn't have to remove but I would suggest cutting a hole the diameter of the base in a cheap plastic dish with a lip or bowl and place over the winch to catch parts in case they get away from you. I would do this whether in the ewater or on the hard. Saves a lot of aggrevation.

 

[Ed Schenck]

No removal necessary.

Check archives for more and better info. I cut the sides of a box down to about 4 inches. Then I cut a hole to match the base of the winch. This will catch any parts or tools that slip out of your hand. On my boat those immediately jump overboard, never into the cockpit.

 

[Steve O.]

winch service

Although I don't have Lewmar's on my boat, your's is new enough that I'm pretty certain that they have needle bearings and not ball bearings, which are much more difficult to work with.