How to service winches

SollaSollew · #1 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009

I am looking for advice on winch servicing. I have Lewmar winches, I don't know the sizes off-hand but there are two primary and two secondary on the coach roof of my Bavaria 33. Is it just a questions of taking them apart, cleaning them and re-assembling them or are there standard parts that need to be replaced regularly. I was not aware that this needed to be done annually so they haven't been touched since the boat was new in 2007.

Also, does the project have to be done on the boat or can they be taken off and done at home. About how long does it take for someone who is generally pretty good with tools? Any things to be particularly careful about other than parts going into the water.

Thanks.

Eric

k1vsk · #2 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009

everything you ever wanted to know:

http://www.c36ia.com/files/Lewmar%20...0SJ%207-06.pdf

KeelHaulin · #3 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009

In addition note how the pictures show towels draped over the lifelines so hopefully parts don't fall overboard. Some people have suggested cutting a hole in the bottom of a cardboard box and placing it over the winch before tearing it down; but that might restrict getting at the gear pins too much.

Be careful when pulling the drum off because the caged needle bearings like to stick inside the drum and then fall out unexpectedly.

gc1111 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009

The thing that seems to cause the most trouble is the small spring (really just a bent piece of spring wire) that controls the pawls.. It loves to jump long distances when you remove the pawls and if you are not expecting it............

SollaSollew · #5 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009

A great resource. It appears as if the author of the PDF did NOT replace any part but rather simply cleaned and lubricated everything. Is this correct?

Eric

CalebD · #6 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009

This from a google search on 'Lewmar winches'
Lewmar
On new winches you would not expect to be needing to replace ANY of the parts. Just clean and re-lube as per instructions. Pretty straight forward.
Good luck.

Sapperwhite · #7 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009

if you have Lewmar winches, they sell a relatively inexpensive kits. you will want a "Lewmar Winch Maintenance Kit"

the kit includes an instruction manual , winch grease, oil, a brush for the grease, and 10 pawl springs. The trick is that two speed winches use 4 pawl springs each, so you may have reuse some springs doing 4 winches. That shouldn't be a big deal on an 2007 boat.

The kit is under $30 and be found at about any store, WM, Defender, Sailnet Store:

Lewmar - Winch Maintenance Kit Shop.Sailnet.com - sailing resources, shopping, sail, blogs

url is crappy.... just click on the lewmar name

c40eb · #8 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009

I just finished the winch maintenance on my boat. Boat is on the hard. Didn't remove the winches from the boat...and all went well.

Didn't replace any parts, as I did not see any signs of significant wear. Pawls, bearings, springs, all looked fine. I do have a good supply of spares for the eventuality.

Cleaned all the old, gummed up grease, oiled the pawls, greased everything else and reinstalled.

Not a bad job...

Sapperwhite · #9 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by c40eb

I just finished the winch maintenance on my boat. Boat is on the hard. Didn't remove the winches from the boat...and all went well......

Not a bad job...

now that i think about it, in order to get the entire winch off the boat you'd have to strip it down.

SollaSollew · #10 (**permalink**) 03-13-2009

Thanks much. Looks like a half an hour per winch once you get established. Will wait till weather is warm enough to work on the boat our of doors. Officially I can go sailing on Sunday when my insurance is valid. I will undoubtedly wait at least a few weeks though.

Eric