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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Lewmar Wavegrip Service

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Kper
Captain

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USA
417 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/23/2015 : 15:16:38

I'm looking for any servicing information for the Lewmar Wavegrip 16ST winches. I have a breakdown but I'm not sure of the proper disassembly steps and this would be my first winch service of any type.

http://www.pyacht.com/graphics/Lew_WG_16st.gif

Kyle
'86 SR/SK/Dinette #5284 "Anodyne"
In the barn where we found her...

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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5902 Posts

Response Posted - 07/23/2015 : 15:41:21

Have you seen the Lewmar Service Manual? http://ipsailor.com/Lewmar_Winch_Service_Manual.pdf

Or this video? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZr_NuCmB64

Cut a hole the size of the winch in a cardboard box and tape it to the deck to catch any parts that might go astray. Be careful. Remember how it came apart, and re-assemble it in the same order. Winches aren't as complicated as they seem at first. Don't be intimidated by them. When you lift the outer casing of the winch, be aware that the bearing race will sometimes stick to the grease, and drop out after you have lifted it up, so, hold it over the box until you have turned it upside down to find the bearing race.

Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore

Edited by - Steve Milby on 07/23/2015 15:49:02

Kper
Captain

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417 Posts

Response Posted - 07/23/2015 : 17:56:06

Thank you for replying, Steve, but this is where I get confused... I have not been able to find any tutitorials for the "Wavegrip" winch. The top of the winch is screwed down with 4 screws and doesn't twist off like the newer ones. I'm afraid the internals are different and parts are going to fly once I lift the drum off.

From what I have found the Wavegrip was made from the 80's to the 90's.

Kyle
'86 SR/SK/Dinette #5284 "Anodyne"
In the barn where we found her...

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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5902 Posts

Response Posted - 07/23/2015 : 19:11:28

I'm not specifically familiar with those winches, but every Lewmar that I have serviced, including some older than yours, were put together very similarly.

I recently bought a brand new pair of Lewmar 45s, and their construction is likewise very similar. The basic design hasn't changed much through the years. The main difference between big Lewmar winches and little winches is that the big winches have more bearings and the gear ratios are different. Some of the newer winches had circlips on top instead of the 4-6 screws, and others have a round threaded device on top to serve the same purpose. But those differences are really minor. Inside, the works are strikingly similar.

Looking at the parts diagram that you furnished, the top cap (#13) is removed by removing the four screws. There will be two collets (#2) beneath the top cap. They fit into a slot in the top of the spindle. I think you'll find that the stripper arm (#14) is threaded, and it will unscrew counter clockwise. You might need to use a pipe wrench to loosen it, because they sometimes can be very tight. To the best of my knowledge, none of the parts in the winch are spring loaded or under spring tension except the pawls and their springs (## 5 and 6). I have never had one take flight on me, but have heard that it can happen, so that's the only part that you need to worry about. Follow the parts diagram, one step at a time, and trust that the box will catch a pawl or spring if it should come out.

Before you disassemble it, you might want to contact Lewmar and ask them if replacement pawls and springs are still available for your winch, just in case you lose one. They probably are still available.

Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore

Kper
Captain

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USA
417 Posts

Response Posted - 07/23/2015 : 19:25:09

Thank you, Steve!

Kyle
'86 SR/SK/Dinette #5284 "Anodyne"
In the barn where we found her...

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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4024 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2015 : 06:35:51

The 16ST winches are only a single speed so they are easier than the 2 speeds shown in the video but Steve is right that the procedures are similar. On the 16ST's (I have them also) start by removing those top screws and the cap will come off. Under that are the bronze collets that just slide out sideways. You might need a small screwdriver to help slide them out. There is nothing complicated in taking the winch apart. Is self explanatory as you proceed. Just keep working your way down. The roller bearings are caged and will more than likely stay on the spindle when you pull up the bell but pull it up slowly and look underneath to make sure one doesn't come up with the bell. The 3 pawls and springs are the only things that might go flying but like Steve they never have for me. Lay the parts out in the order that they come off for easier assembly. use a very thin film of grease on the gears and a lite machine oil on the pawls. Defender sells the pawls and spring kit if you think they need replacing. Dive right in, Your going to be very surprised at how easy it is. You have fear of the unknown that's all. A winch is amazing to me. Probably one of mankind's best engineered,Simple,Durable things ever invented.

Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound

Edited by - islander on 07/24/2015 06:40:39

Kper
Captain

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USA
417 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2015 : 07:42:53

Thank you, Scott. With the lack of internet info I was beginning to wonder if anyone had the same winches.

Kyle
'86 SR/SK/Dinette #5284 "Anodyne"
In the barn where we found her...

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4024 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2015 : 08:30:02

The 16ST was an upgrade when the boat was new. You had to check them on the build sheet but it added to the cost so I guess many just opted for the non self tailing standard winch. I love them but some racers would disagree. Consider yourself lucky that you have them IMO.

Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound

Edited by - islander on 07/24/2015 08:31:28

Peregrine
Admiral

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830 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2015 : 10:59:45

I am not that familiar with your winches but here is a simple tip that will help on all winch servicing.
Take a box, not too big, and cut a hole in the bottom so it will fit over the winch. Fit it over the winch so it looks like the winch is sitting in the box and then tape it to the boat. Then when parts go flying (not if but when) they will mostly land in the box.

John Gisondi
Peregrine #4762

*

Kper
Captain

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417 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2015 : 11:45:26

I'll take you up on that box tip, John.

Kyle
'86 SR/SK/Dinette #5284 "Anodyne"
In the barn where we found her...

Peregrine
Admiral

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830 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2015 : 12:21:09

quote:
Originally posted by Kper

I'll take you up on that box tip, John.

Kyle,
See if this helps.
http://www.cncphotoalbum.com/winches/winches1.htm

John Gisondi
Peregrine #4762

*

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4024 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2015 : 15:49:45

Soooo...How did you make out with the winches Kyle?

Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound

Kper
Captain

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USA
417 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2015 : 17:48:29

Scott, I discovered the drag was because the grease had gelled between the feeder arm and the drum. Since we were trying to launch the following weekend I called it a temporary success and launched. I'll attempt to go deeper and perform a proper service this winter but for now it's working great.

It's back on the trailer, however, with a leaking keel cable tube and if I can't repair it myself I'll have plenty of time to work on the winch!

Thanks everyone for your help, I have the confidence to dig into it now.

Kyle
'86 SR/SK/Dinette #5284 "Anodyne"
In the barn where we found her...

Edited by - Kper on 08/06/2015 17:49:10

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