Primary winch replacement

cseltzjr · **Joined:** 16 May 2009 08:06 **Posts:** 255

I am swapping out my primary winches. The starboard side is pretty straight forward. The port side is another matter. The two logical options I see are 1) removing the insert that holds the engine control panel or 2) taking my multi tool and cutting a small access port at the top rear bulkhead in the quarter berth. Removing the insert "box" appears to be the least destructive but has anyone tried this and if so, how did it go? Climbing through and accessing the space from the sail locker is not an option for me.

Thanks,

Chip
#324 Esprit

Velera · **Joined:** 29 Dec 2006 09:38 **Posts:** 656

you might be too large to go through the sail locker and under the pedestal, but I would hire someone of more slight size as getting at the bolts is a rather simple situation from that position. Much cheaper and less destructive. I have not replaced the winches, but I have been there a bunch of times.

Ray
Velera

cseltzjr · **Joined:** 16 May 2009 08:06 **Posts:** 255

Thanks for that suggestion. I think I have to have pretty good access to the area. The winches I have now were apparently moved at one point so there are now 12 holes in each winch pad. The winches I have are larger (Barient 28 STs) and will have a different bolt pattern. That means as many as 18 holes in each pad. I am going to have to do some work on the underside to sturdy it up. I have made strong fiberglass backing plates that I intend setting in some thickened epoxy prior to drilling and mounting the new winches. I have to be able to reach in with a grinder, etc. If I can't get the box out pretty easily, I'll cut an access opening in the quarter berth. I can put that back together so it will be attractive. I was wondering if anyone had ever had that box out and if so, how did it work out.

Thanks,

Chip

cseltzjr · **Joined:** 16 May 2009 08:06 **Posts:** 255

I got this job done over the weekend. The starboard side went pretty easily and straightforward. Because the winches had been moved before, there were 12 holes in the pad. The new winches have a substantially larger base so that would make 18 holes in the pad. I was a bit worried about over perforating the mounting so I made some fiberglass backing plates about 1/4 thick that covered the entire area plus an overlap.

The port side was interesting. As it turned out, the winch installation was on both sides of the bulkhead at the aft end of the quarter berth. Further, one of the mounting holes went right into the bulkhead and whomever did the installation decided to just skip that one! There was no nut on the bolt. The other 5 were barely tight. A 1/4" ratchet and a 7/16" socket broke them loose with little effort. I decided to cut a small section of the bulkhead away so that I had good unobstructed access and a clear flat surface to bolt against. Upon reassembly, I could see 3 of the bolts lying on my back and I had to feel the other three. It took all of one day and the job was finished by 10 the next morning.

I wonder if anyone else has a similar situation with regard to the port side winch. We have sailed this boat pretty hard over the past 13 years and haven't had a problem but I was scratching my head and would suggest that a look see might be in order.

Chip Seltzer
324 Esprit

WayneH · **Posted:** 07 Jul 2014 09:18

I don't want to replace my winches yet BUT I do want to put pads between the winches and the deck. This will lift them up enough that I don't hit the lower lifeline everytime I sheet home the genoa after a tack. Problem I have is the bolts and nuts have become one with each other after years together and several coats of bilge paint by previous owners.

I think I'll let the yard figure this out one day. Snicker

And if they do, I'll get them to put backing plates and pads on. I know there is a lot of "meat" under the genoa winches but I'd really like some insurance there that is wider than a washer.

cseltzjr · **Joined:** 16 May 2009 08:06 **Posts:** 255

My winch handles clear the lower lifelines with room to spare. I have a friend who had non-self tailing winches and his lifelines got in the way (the winches were a bit shorter). As I recall, he used bungees to pull down on the lifelines and that kept them clear of the winch handles.

I would like to recondition the Lewmar 44 ST winches I took off the boat. Does anyone know where I can get parts? Some of the plastic has to be replaced.

Thanks,

Chip

Tortuga's Lie · **Joined:** 27 Oct 2006 10:32 **Posts:** 827

What primaries does everyone have? Mine were replaced by the previous owners who installed Lewmar ST48's which seems to be about right for the size of the 150 genny. Anyone gone bigger? Electric?

berwick · **Joined:** 21 Oct 2006 18:12 **Posts:** 327

Anderson 52's, fits and work great,

Richard

Tortuga's Lie · **Joined:** 27 Oct 2006 10:32 **Posts:** 827

Looks like the Andersen 52's are the next size up from my Lewmar 48's judging from the specs, I guess you don't have to strain much Very Happy

Tartan37.com

Primary winch replacement

Who is online