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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Why replace a winch

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ddlyle
Captain

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302 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/03/2005 : 10:57:37

My 1986 (swing keel) winch is operating fine, but I am going to replace the cable this coming week (as soon as I receive the new one from CD). BTW the eye bolt is good.
...Two winch questions at bottom...

I have not yet inspected the turning ball so I don't know if it needs replacement. I can hardly see it from underneath (boat on stands). I guess I have to remove the hose to be able to see the turning ball.
So that's one hurdle I have (to judge the condition of the turning ball which is surely original).

I don't know why I might consider replacing the winch, since it works.
The only thing I don't like about my winch <b>(and I really dislike this part) </b>is that while cranking it up or down sometimes the handle comes off.
I presume it is original, but the handle fits on the turning part of the winch kind of like a reverse screwdriver. There is a large slot inside the handle and the winch has the "key" or "screwdriver-like" bit that fits into the slot.
Like a scewdriver that is worn a bit, sometimes it pops out.
Really irritating. I usually crank it a few turns, then stop to push it back in a little tighter. Or I try to use one hand to apply constant inward pressure near the "bit".

So, aside from the handle pop-off, the winch works fine.

1st question ... If my winch works fine, why might I replace it?
2nd question ... Does anyone know how I could fix the problem of the winch handle coming loose (like a worn screwdriver)?

I might be willing to replace the winch just to fix the handle bit, but I'm not sure how much the winch costs. I don't suppose it is too difficult to replace.
Thanks

Cap'n Dave
Sailing The Blues
1986 C25 sr/sk #5413

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Mark Loyacano
Navigator

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USA
247 Posts

Response Posted - 04/03/2005 : 11:54:16

According to your winch handle description, I believe you have the current winch version offered by Catalina. So, if it is in good working condition replacing it may not be necessary for now.

That handle, though, can be lethal. My only advice is to pay close attention to it when lowering or raising the keel. I frequently stop cranking during use just to make sure it is still fully seated. Also, do not crank too fast. Once, while raising the keel (in a hurry) it slipped off the winch. My arm and the handle, in my hand, dropped a lttle below the winch due to the force of effort, while the other end (the slotted fitting) rotating on the swivel-handle swung upwards and hit me, full force, on the temple. It almost knocked me out. It was a difficult struggle to remain concious, find my eyeglasses and get back to controling the direction the boat was heading (towards the slips!). Not a good situation. I was alone in the boat.
I have figured out how to install an electric winch in place of the current Catalina version but since I won't be sailing my Cat 25 this year it will have to wait.
The swing keel still has merit/advantages for those of us who sail inland lakes.

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ddlyle
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Response Posted - 04/03/2005 : 12:04:52

Thanks Mark, I <b>do</b> go more slowly now. And like you, I too stop a few times to make sure it is fully seated. An electric servo-motor would be nice. But if it connected to the winch it'd probably have to be a fairly strong motor with a good sized reduction gear.
I'd probably use the boat units to buy a balanced rudder instead, or maybe a gas grill.

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ddlyle
Captain

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302 Posts

Response Posted - 04/03/2005 : 19:47:59

This might be one of those threads where I write 90% of it.
Is that boring or what?
Maybe this is a blog.

Anyway, I took the winch off today and the little bolt broke that held tight the bitter end of the cable.
I'm not sure I can replace that bit.
There was some rust on parts of the winch so I thought, why not go ahead and replace it. Then maybe I won't bust my knuckles with a loose handle.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.