Old winch handle replacement

L124C · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2007

I have a couple of Lewmar 8 winches for the halyards on my boat. The spline on the handle is a 8 point star pattern, similar to current handles, though slightly smaller. The previous owner was using a handle with a square spline, which was filed slightly to fit the winch at 4 points in the star pattern. While I wasn't happy with this make shift approach, it worked. The other day I managed to drop that handle in the bay

! I clearly foresaw the event, and have been searching for a replacement handle for a while without success. The winches work well, and I hardly want to replace them for want of a handle. Anyone know where I can find a replacement. At this point, I would even be happy to find a square spline handle!

mt7555 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007

Try a Dax OneTouch handle - This is a new design with a quick release bar running along the top of the handle. You just grab it and it releases. No more thumb release! You can check it out at - just do a search for "DAX Onetouch Handle".

This is the plastic version of the design - Lewmar has licensed the design and makes the metal version. I prefer the plastic version - Nice balance and lighter. I have raced with this handle this year and it is real nice to use and exceptionally strong!

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007

MT7555-

You missed his point entirely... his winches use the older, smaller eight-point opening, not the standard one found on modern winches. The Dax OneTouch won't do him any good—it is too big to fit.

L124C-

Your best bet is to contact a used yatch equipment supplier or consignment shop, like Minney's Yatch Surplus. They're likely to have what you need. Get two.

USCGRET1990 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by L124C

I have a couple of Lewmar 8 winches for the halyards on my boat. The spline on the handle is a 8 point star pattern, similar to current handles, though slightly smaller. The previous owner was using a handle with a square spline, which was filed slightly to fit the winch at 4 points in the star pattern. While I wasn't happy with this make shift approach, it worked. The other day I managed to drop that handle in the bay

! I clearly foresaw the event, and have been searching for a replacement handle for a while without success. The winches work well, and I hardly want to replace them for want of a handle. Anyone know where I can find a replacement. At this point, I would even be happy to find a square spline handle!

Hane you checked westmarine.com?

USCGRET1990 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007

Here's one that floats!!http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/8-FLO...QQcmdZViewItem

Freesail99 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007

Practicing a MOB for the floating winch handle may be a good idea, or what's the point in getting it ?

USCGRET1990 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007

Some older handles here:http://motors.search.ebay.com/winch_...0QQsacatZ31281
Try to come up with some sort of measurement to go by...

USCGRET1990 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007

Measurement for instance: I have a square drive handle that fits a 13/16 socket perfectly.

sailingdog · #9 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007

I believe the older winches used a 5/8" or 3/4" drive rather than the newer 13/16" drive

SEMIJim · #10 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freesail99

Practicing a MOB for the floating winch handle may be a good idea, or what's the point in getting it ?

Somebody at our club mentioned that not long ago. He allowed as how non-floating winch handles were a better way to go because if one goes over the side in a race, there's no agonizing over whether to lose time fetching it

Jim