Winch Handle Holder

[Siamese]

I just got a Catalina 309 and am looking for a handy place to keep the winch handle. I suppose I could go with the usual plastic pocket attached to the pedastal, but I'm wondering if there are any other clever ideas I haven't though of. Maybe some sort of hardware that'll attach it to the liferails or something? Velcro to my forehead?

[Boasun]

Well don't sit on the handle you may end up very surprised. There are wood boxes (teak, oak, etc.)
A built in pocket shelf.
Netting next to the winch, inside the combing.
A ten year child to hold on to tightly when it isn't in use. Just watch out for temper tantrums.
Don't expect the wife to hold it either. Temper tantrums again is the reason. She'll bounce it off your head.
Maybe someone has some other ideas.
super glue it to the hand of the winch person.

[sailingdog]

The winch holder I use looks like the socket off the top of a winch, and mounts to the bulkhead... keeps the winch handle out of the way and very convenient. Takes up a lot less space than the big plastic pocket type winch handle holders.

[SimonV]

If you are like me, tie it to your wrist.

Go with the tried and tested, keep it well inside the cockpit at least when you drop it it wont go over the side.

[tenuki]

I had a friend that insisted on keeping his at the bottom of whatever body of water we happened to be sailing in. I wouldn't recommend that approach although he swore by it, or was that swore at it. I forget.

I just leave mine locked onto the last winch I used it on, which of course is a horrible idea. Everytime I do it I think 'what a horrible idea'. I have a perfectly good plastic holder in the usual place where it sits waiting to be stolen when I'm not sailing.

[Valiente]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

The winch holder I use looks like the socket off the top of a winch, and mounts to the bulkhead... keeps the winch handle out of the way and very convenient. Takes up a lot less space than the big plastic pocket type winch handle holders.

I have two of those, either side of the binnacle on the outside wheel. Makes me wonder why I hadn't seen them before, as they are more compact and frankly cleaner than those white vinyl pockets that always get filthy in half a season.

[sailingdog]

Valiente-

I saw them on a friend's boat, and generally buy them when I see them on sale. They make great stocking stuffers for other sailors..

[PBzeer]

I have two holders that attach to the railing. One back on the stern rail, handy to the cockpit, and one attached to the dodger support tube by the main halyard winch. They are somewhat triangular and open and made, I think, from starboard (like the cup holders). They work quite well for me and will hold two winch handles, don't collect water, and don't discolor like the plastic pocket style ones. They came on the boat though, and I couldn't say where to buy them new. I can take a picture if you want, so you can see what they look like.

[440sailor]

What you are looking for is SnapIt! products. Check out their website. Great stuff.

snapitmarine.com

[Plumper]

Mine sculls about on the floor of the cockpit. I always know where it is.