Albin Vega 27 - replacement for (very) old Lewmar 8 cockpit winches

Vega1447

Vega1447

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As the old Yahoo Albin Vega forum has been closed, I hope no-one minds my asking the above question here?


Despite the "8" descriptor, this winch is merely small, not tiny. Maybe 2-3 inches drum diameter.

It is probably the original winch supplied with the boat in the mid-70's?

I'd be grateful for recommendations for a replacement (self-tailing and two-speed ideally) winch.

In a perfect world the mounting bolt holes could be re-used but I expect that would be to ask too much.

Many thanks...
 
I've recently completed just such a job on a similar-sized/vintage boat. The original sheet winches were replaced with Lewmar 30 STs. No, the bolt holes were different....

I had difficulties with the new bolts, for I wanted/tried to fit cross-head - i.e. Philips - bolts. These heads were slightly larger diameter than slot-head, so stood fractionally proud, and just 'fouled' the lower gear ring.

It took me weeks to track down Lewmar's spec for the correct mounting bolts.
 
Our Vega had size 30 winches, but they had been fitted by a previous owner so I don't know if it was an easy swap or not. He had reused the size 8 winches on the coachroof and led all the lines aft.
We fitted Barton Winchers which were a slight improvement but, contrary to the sales blurb, do not magically turn them in to self tailers.
 
Kelpie said:
We fitted Barton Winchers which were a slight improvement but, contrary to the sales blurb, do not magically turn them in to self tailers.
Click to expand...
I found mine a significant improvement, but I'd agree that they're no substitute for the real thing. OTOH, they're a wee bit cheaper than upgrading to self tailers. Can you even buy plain ones these days?
 
Kelpie said:
Our Vega had size 30 winches, but they had been fitted by a previous owner so I don't know if it was an easy swap or not. He had reused the size 8 winches on the coachroof and led all the lines aft.
We fitted Barton Winchers which were a slight improvement but, contrary to the sales blurb, do not magically turn them in to self tailers.
Click to expand...
Can you remember (maybe you still have the Vega?) if the original cockpit coaming had to be widened to take the Barton 30's?

My Vega is a Mk 2. I think the Mk 3' s have a wider coaming?

Thanks for the reply.
 
The winches were Lewmar, and there was no widening of the coaming. I'll need to check which mark the boat was- she was built in 1972 I think.
 
I would also add that you probably don't need to go anywhere near a 30. Maybe a 16 would be good enough. A mate fitted a pair of Lewmar 16ST to his Sadler 26 and they're fine.
 
My MKI Vega (752) has non-original Lewmar sheet winches that didn't require modification to the coaming. However, the original winches were fairly substantial - the only original winch that had a 2-3" diameter was bronze and attached to the mast for hauling the main or topping lift.
Unfortunate timing - I've only just returned from the boat and don't expect to be back for another month due to Covid so can't confirm what I have.

There's an active Vega Facebook group that might be answer this and other questions you may have.
 
agurney said:
My MKI Vega (752) has non-original Lewmar sheet winches that didn't require modification to the coaming. However, the original winches were fairly substantial - the only original winch that had a 2-3" diameter was bronze and attached to the mast for hauling the main or topping lift.
Unfortunate timing - I've only just returned from the boat and don't expect to be back for another month due to Covid so can't confirm what I have.

There's an active Vega Facebook group that might be answer this and other questions you may have.
Click to expand...
Thanks Alastair,
John K.
 
I fitted Lewmar ST 16, single speed onto my Vega (gone now) they were a vast improvement on the original ones, from what i remember, the holes did not line up, i had to fill and re drill, also place new backing pads, i sold the old ones to a forumite.
I saw my old Vega last year, looking very sad and neglected.
 
Davy_S said:
I fitted Lewmar ST 16, single speed onto my Vega (gone now) they were a vast improvement on the original ones, from what i remember, the holes did not line up, i had to fill and re drill, also place new backing pads, i sold the old ones to a forumite.
I saw my old Vega last year, looking very sad and neglected.
Click to expand...

New backing pads because new winch had bigger footprint?
 
Davy_S said:
It had rotted old ply backing, i replaced with half inch thick Nylon sheet cut to size, it came in handy when i replaced the stern cleats and fitted midship cleats, ( waste not want not):)
Click to expand...
Thanks.

These are great tips!

A friend with a 32 footer advised that I get lewmar 30's.

Lewmar 20 or 25 ST two speed (if I can afford them) probably enough?
 
The Vega27 is only marginally larger than my old Invicta 26, but very similar in design, and I found that Lewmar 16 winches which I fitted were perfectly adequate, I would have thought Lewmar 30's would be a bit overkill for the Vega.
I have just fitted a pair of used Lewmar 16 to my Sadler 25.
 
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