Another winch question

[killarney_sailor]

The other winch question reminded me to ask this question. I have Lewmar winches that are starting to show their age as the plating is rapidly wearing. Mechanically they are fine and I a not going to consider replacement since the primaries are 65s and I cannnot imagine how much they would cost. These are the winches that are chromeplated but with a black anodized (I assume) ring at the top where the self-talier is. Is it possible to get the whole thing rechromed? I don't mind if the part that is black ends up chromed.

[ewoden]

Try New England Chrome. They ahve advertized chrome replating in the old boat mags. New England Chrome Plating and Brass - chrome plating, brass plating, gold plating, metal finishing, industrial plating, boat restoration, motorcycle restoration, powder coating, fireplace, hard chrome plating, chrome, auto parts, antique, antique re

[SloopJonB]

Are they chromed bronze or chromed alloy? If they're bronze, I'd just get the remaining chrome removed - it will cost a LOT less and even new chrome will wear and pit before too long. IMHO, chrome plating has no place on a boat, plus bronze looks better.

[Captainmeme]

Have you considered having them anodized?

[killarney_sailor]

looks like the drums are bronze since I am getting some green oxydization happening. Pretty sure the top ring (black) is alloy.

[killarney_sailor]

Originally Posted by Captainmeme

Have you consider having them anodized?

I doubt that I will do anything about this until I am back in North America and then will take one off and take it into a shop that does metal refinishing and see what they have to say. I have no idea how the two parts (bronze and alloy) have been joined - there are no fasteners. I guess I would prefer the boat looks classic rather than old.

[Stu Jackson]

When you have them refinished, you do NOT have the tops done. You take the black part off.

[SloopJonB]

Originally Posted by killarney_sailor

I doubt that I will do anything about this until I am back in North America and then will take one off and take it into a shop that does metal refinishing and see what they have to say. I have no idea how the two parts (bronze and alloy) have been joined - there are no fasteners. I guess I would prefer the boat looks classic rather than old.

The top stripper ring probably just slips into the drum - right now it is seized in place is my guess. I had this happen to a pair on a boat I bought in very run down condition.

When you get to it, try penetrating fluid and a little judicious prying with a paint stick or similar.

[killarney_sailor]

It is not the stripper that is black it is the whole self-tailing assembly. If almost looks like it was pressed onto the drum at the factory since there is no sign of attachment in any other way. I am pretty sure it was assembled never to be removed, but I have been wrong before. Perhaps I should contact Lewmar.

[SloopJonB]

Originally Posted by killarney_sailor

It is not the stripper that is black it is the whole self-tailing assembly. If almost looks like it was pressed onto the drum at the factory since there is no sign of attachment in any other way. I am pretty sure it was assembled never to be removed, but I have been wrong before. Perhaps I should contact Lewmar.

That's what I meant - the top flange that the stripper ring hooks under - that whole thing should be a slip fit, not a press fit. If you get it apart you will see there is a sort of collar that slides down inside the drum. It is a very precise fit to avoid any sloppiness so it can get stuck pretty easily if it is not frequently disassembled and lubed.

That was my experience with the jammed Barients. At first I thought they were pressed together but there was no way to remove the stripper ring so I figured it HAD to come apart and it did, finally. It's all held together with the single top fastener.