Lewmar Winch Repair

mikefossl · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011

I've found a serious crack in the center stem of a Lewmar 40ST winch. Is this something I can have welded?

thanks...

L124C · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikefossl

I've found a serious crack in the center stem of a Lewmar 40ST winch. Is this something I can have welded?
thanks...

They still sell some parts for the Lewmar ST40's. Can't picture what you are talking about (I'm assuming it's the the star pattern the handle goes into). Can you attach a photo?

baboon · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011

I do not know about welding, but I have the same winch and the part I think you are refering to is pretty big. Unless it has been subjected to a huge hit it is hard to imagine how it cracked. As such, it might make sense to give the company a call even if it is out of warranty (mine is 7 years) since a manufacturing defect might be the cause.

Gary M · #4 (**permalink**) 10-21-2011

You can buy a replacement from Lewmar. I bought a new gear that shattered on one of my winches and the boat is from "84. Find a local distributor and see how much the part costs. If expensive a good machine shop should be able to repair it.

L124C · #5 (**permalink**) 10-22-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary M

You can buy a replacement from Lewmar. I bought a new gear that shattered on one of my winches and the boat is from "84. Find a local distributor and see how much the part costs. If expensive a good machine shop should be able to repair it.

I would check before I chucked the old part! Lewmar doesn't have all parts for an 80's ST40. Search "Lewmar 40 Stripper Ring" to see my two year saga regarding my search for a $40 part!
"Cracked Center Stem", "Shattered gears", OH MY...You guys are scaring me!

mikefossl · #6 (**permalink**) 10-22-2011

The center stem is that part of the winch that's bolted to the deck. The drum fits over it (with roller bearings between) and the main spindle (the part the winch handle fits into) fits inside it (no bearings on the 40). The crack runs across the base perpendicular to the halyard load. I have sent an e-mail to Lewmar but haven't heard back. A new center stem is $200. The local welding guy says he can weld it. The winch seems to have been mounted in the worst possible orientation with the largest opening opposite the load.

JimsCAL · #7 (**permalink**) 10-22-2011

I guess you could try having it welded, and if it doesn't work, buy the new part. At least you have the option. Actually $200 doesn't sound that bad.

SloopJonB · #8 (**permalink**) 10-22-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimsCAL

I guess you could try having it welded, and if it doesn't work, buy the new part. At least you have the option. Actually $200 doesn't sound that bad.

Welding it will work fine - every Lewmar I have seen had a solid bronze base and that is a near perfect application for brazing which generally uses some type of copper alloy as the filler rod. I'm not up on all the types of filler available for MIG & TIG welding but if copper alloys are available for them, they are probably the best way to go. Finding a good welder is as simple as looking at some of their work - if they can lay a pretty bead, they are probably very good.

You obviously understand the need to remount the bases in a proper orientation afterwards.

L124C · #9 (**permalink**) 10-23-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikefossl

The center stem is that part of the winch that's bolted to the deck. The drum fits over it (with roller bearings between) and the main spindle (the part the winch handle fits into) fits inside it (no bearings on the 40). The crack runs across the base perpendicular to the halyard load. I have sent an e-mail to Lewmar but haven't heard back. A new center stem is $200. The local welding guy says he can weld it. The winch seems to have been mounted in the worst possible orientation with the largest opening opposite the load.

I'm confused. It's a Halyard winch, but it's bolted to the deck (not the mast)? Maybe the lines are led aft. However, it's strange if it's a Halyard winch as opposed to a Jib sheet winch, as I would assume the Halyard winch takes much less load. I would think that would suggest a manufacturing defect, even if it was manufactured over 30 years ago. Not sure about the "largest opening" facing the wrong way either. With the exception of the position in which I install the "Stripper Arm", My ST40's don't "know" which way they are facing. In any case, $200 dollars is a bargain as opposed to replacing the winch! Don't know were you live, but in the SF Bay area, we have a Lewmar rep (Steve) at Svensons boat yard who would probably be more effective than dealing with Lewmar.

mikefossl · #10 (**permalink**) 10-23-2011

All my lines lead aft over the cabin top to a set of 8 clutches. I have three 40ST winches to handle the chores. My sheet winches are 54ST with an obvious higher load capacity. The center stem has two openings for two sets of cogs as it is a two speed winch. One opening is larger to accommodate a larger cog. This opening was oriented opposite the direction of the halyard load leaving the least amount of material where it was needed the most. I'll have to check the Lewmar installation instructions to see if this is mentioned at all. I imagine that there must have been some defect as I would think it would have been engineered to handle any load someone could put on it with a winch handle.