Winch Handle Holder On the Cheap

[Siamese]

I recently posted a query for some good ideas for a winch handle holder for my new Catalina 309. I was hesitant to drill any holes in my new vessel, especially if I found a better solution later.

Also, I want to be able to quickly access the handle from the helmsman's seat. The usual PVC pockets tend to yellow and get crummy looking fairly soon, and the only obvious place to mount them on my boat would be on the side of the steering pedestal (where I'd have to reach around the wheel to grab it).

My goal was to find a holder that would mount to the safety rail so I could reach to my right and slightly back and grab it quickly, and of course, be able to return it quickly when done using it.

ANYWAY...I picked up a three foot length of PVC pipe for $2.18 and cut it to the length of my winch handle (pipe probably has about a 2" diameter). The pipe is secured to the railing via a couple short lengths of 3/16" braided nylon cord (the cord just threads through a pair holes at the top of the pipe and a pair of holes at the bottom of the pipe).

I had cut the pipe with a chop saw and removed the ugly lettering with acetone so it looks reasonably shipshape.

I had enough pipe left over to make a second holder that I attached to one of the stainless steel uprights in my dodger.

Downside of the railing attachment is that I could possible throw the handle overboard, but the upside is that I can quickly cram it in there without worrying about banging into some gelcoat.

I'm sure I'm not the first to use this solution but it works perfectly.

[geary126]

That's a pretty good idea, Siam.

Did you have a PVC end cap for the botttom, or is this thing just open on both sides?

[sailingdog]

Geary, sounds like the thing is open on the bottom, which is probably better so that crud doesn't collect in the bottom of the tube.

[PBzeer]

Don't know where to get these, or if they are even available, as they came on the boat, but I like them.

[sailingdog]

John-

Those look like they're made up of Starboard, and probably not all that difficult to reproduce.

[PBzeer]

Yes, they are starboard. What I like about them is you can put two handles in one holder. I have one under the dodger by the main halyard/mainsheet winch, and the one in the picture.

Currently at 25 46 43 N 80 11 08 W

[travler37]

Now i am what i call re-new to this.
Spent allot of time in my younger days.Getting back to it now.
Raised on lake superior.When you get knocked down[inverted],Where are your handles?
Mark

[sailingdog]

travler37-

That's why I use one that looks like the top of a winch... if the boat flips, the handle will still be there...of course, if my boat flips, I've got some other serious problems... being a trimaran sailor... I try to avoid that.

[Giulietta]

ehehehe those side rail things wouldn't hold my winch handles for 2 minutes!!!!

1st my rails are far away, second, they do get slightly wet when underway!!!




Have you seen the winch handle bags that attach with suction cups?? NO????

Then look for them!! They exist!!

[PBzeer]

I have had very little luck with any of the suction cup bags for any use.

Currently at 25 46 43 N 80 11 08 W