Winch operation question

[Cruiser2B]

I recently purchased my alberg 30 in the picture. As you can see fron the pic it has a phenolic winch on the cabin top for lines run to the cockpit. Well when trying to put a reef in the other day, single line system setup by previous owner, i had trouble with the line wanting to ride down to the base of the winch and off of it. I think this is because the clutches sit a bit lower than the base of the winch. So I have 2 questions, 1. what type of winch and can a handle be used on this winch? there appears to be a slot in it for something and 2. To correct the issue could I just raise the clutches to help the line ride in the center of the winch?

[Waltthesalt]

I see the slot. I think the best way to get a handle would be to take the make and model number and to a boat store or search online. Consignment places are a good way to get a low price. Most give you a few days to see if it fits or get your money back.
Raising the jam cleats will work. Maybe putting an angle on the winch, so the middle is pointing at the jam cleat would alos work

[Faster]

It looks like a bottom-handle winch and those flat handles are hard to come by... are you sure there isn't one in a cubby somewhere and you just didn't recognize it for what it is?

Generally you'd want about at least a 5 degree UP angle to the winch drum, and most winches have a more prominent shoulder to discourage the line winding DOWN off the drum. Raising the clutches probably won't help and might cause overrides, a much larger problem than stacking coils down low. (if the handle is in place the line won't be able to ride down like it did for you)

Honestly I'd replace that winch.. any used marine consignment store will likely have a reasonable replacement for a reasonable price.

[Cruiser2B]

I was thinking of replacing the winch but the meantime...I am going to try to make due with unit thats there. It seems pretty solid and sounds fairly well other than line issue, good racheting. Any idea what brand of winch? there are no markings

[mike dryver]

check the Alberg 30 owners sight someone there can tell you whose winch it is. also i remember seeing bottom turning winches and handles in a consignment shop on the web in Cal. last month just can't recall which one just key in consignment shops west coast and it will list them then start browing

[BobfromSWOhio]

Had a similar problem on a friend's Irwin 34. Found line from "clutch" must feed to upper half of winch. Added starboard of sufficient thickness under clutch. Problem solved.

[klem]

How many turns did you have on the winch? If you have too many turns for the amount of tension on the line, it will want to ride down to the bottom.

The type of handle that you are looking for used to be common. If you can't find one, a piece of stainless flat stock, a grinder, a drill and a handle will make a nice new one in no time.

[Cruiser2B]

Originally Posted by klem

How many turns did you have on the winch? If you have too many turns for the amount of tension on the line, it will want to ride down to the bottom.

The type of handle that you are looking for used to be common. If you can't find one, a piece of stainless flat stock, a grinder, a drill and a handle will make a nice new one in no time.

1-2 turns only

[sailingfool]

Here is a Lewmar image on winch positioning. See how your winch fits the -5-10 degree measure. I'd try adjusting the stoppers or winch height as necessary. I assume this setup was installed by a PO as opposed to being a factory design.

[KeelHaulin]

That's for a self-tailing winch with a flat profile drum. If you look at the picture above his drum has a circular profile (similar to an anchor windlass). On circular profiles the line or rhode likes to enter at the smallest cross-section (the middle) of the drum.