Are canvas winch covers a bit naff

[johnalison]

I do recall seeing sunfaded self tailer ‘ tops’ on one of the major brands winches some years ago . Wasn’t this an early plastics /UV known ‘thing’??
I have a full set of unused winch covers that came with the boat and sit in the attic. They will probably go with the boat too, eventually ?

I do cover the windlass though in winter! Being alloy with stainless bolts and full of electricery and all...

I think you are right about sun-fading. The plastic on mine is now greyish, having started black, though not unsightly. I'm not convinced by the keeping water out idea. It would only take one splash from the sea or a shower while sailing to wet the insides if this is going to happen, and this is not going to dry out for a long time.

 

[Blueboatman]

I think you are right about sun-fading. The plastic on mine is now greyish, having started black, though not unsightly. I'm not convinced by the keeping water out idea. It would only take one splash from the sea or a shower while sailing to wet the insides if this is going to happen, and this is not going to dry out for a long time.

Aye, I wonder vaguely about condensation under the covers . ‘ trapped ‘ as it were..day after day.. And I know “it’s a boat “.
Tbh I did try using mine for -only-a few days .
Decisions , decisions ?
I replaced my three deck hatches some 10 years ago , the uv crazing was very visible and now I have made covers so I don’t have to do that job ever again !

 

[RupertW]

I base my decisions on what is the least effort from getting on board to untying and setting off, so something has to be very very necessary if it adds to that effort.

 

[TernVI]

We started covering the winches and found the grease inside stayed much cleaner. 20s to fit 6 covers, 10 s to remove them. How long to service the winches?

 

[RupertW]

We started covering the winches and found the grease inside stayed much cleaner. 20s to fit 6 covers, 10 s to remove them. How long to service the winches?

Ah, another of my weaknesses. I don’t service mine, although I have all the kit to do so. When one goes I will carry on with the others until I reach port and service it then. This has saved me 10 years of effort so far as all still work fine.

 

[TernVI]

Ah, another of my weaknesses. I don’t service mine, although I have all the kit to do so. When one goes I will carry on with the others until I reach port and service it then. This has saved me 10 years of effort so far as all still work fine.

Hopefully when your winch fails, you will have sufficient fingers remaining to sail back to port.

 

[coopec]

I seem to want to own some.

Do most winches need protection ?

I've recently made a basic cover for a hatch which has stopped condensation drips and I have some material over.

As I live almost on the ocean I thought I'd give my sheet wches protection so I threw some plastic pots over them but one pot blew off. I was surprised the uncovered one looked better after one year and I assume that is because the rain washed the salt deposits off. (The other one did shine after I polished it). I would never cover a winch again.

 

[RupertW]

Hopefully when your winch fails, you will have sufficient fingers remaining to sail back to port.

Fair enough but the self tailer is unlikely to be what goes and I can’t imagine having hands so close except safely when letting a taut sheet out.

 

[ashtead]

If you are concerned at covering winches depending on size some upturned M&S tubs which contain goodies might be suitable over winter. Yes if you have varnished wood rails round the stern then covering them when at sea is usual practice on passage and uncovering on arrival but winches not really worried about. Totally agree about covering windlass if deck mounted though

 

[doug748]

I have a close fitting cockpit cover which came with the boat, I thought it looked a bit prissy but I came to love it and would not have a suitable boat without.
If I did not have the tonneau cover I would no doubt fabricate some winch covers with a padded top, as I often bark my shins on the things.

.

 

[Quandary]

Aye, I wonder vaguely about condensation under the covers . ‘ trapped ‘ as it were..day after day.. And I know “it’s a boat “.
Tbh I did try using mine for -only-a few days .
Decisions , decisions ?
I replaced my three deck hatches some 10 years ago , the uv crazing was very visible and now I have made covers so I don’t have to do that job ever again !

When I bought new acrylic window and hatch glazing last year from Hadlow Marine, I was persuaded to buy a tube of acrylic polish which I was promised will prevent crazing if applied twice a year, the seller assured me he had tested it on a boat and with the minimal effort required I have decided to give it a go. Not sure if I will live long enough to report on it myself though.

 

[neil_s]

I use Christmas pudding tubs to cover my winches - definitely stop the grease from being washed out. This damages the winches and leaves marks on the cockpit coamings. Just poke four holes in your tub and thread a bit of bungy through. That will grip the winch and hold them on. Christmas is coming - keep a lookout in the supermarket. The larger size fit my Gibb 28RA's and the smaller size fit the spinny winches.

 

[ashtead]

But M&S tubs are perhaps a better shape than Christmas pudding ones surely ?

 

[pvb]

I use Christmas pudding tubs to cover my winches - definitely stop the grease from being washed out. This damages the winches and leaves marks on the cockpit coamings.

Are you saying that the grease is washed out by rain? What sort of grease do you use?

 

[thinwater]

Winches do not need covers!

The plastic bits do.

 

[thinwater]

..yep - or just chop the bottom off a 4 pint milk container/2 ltr Coke bottle..

Cut a small fender in half. Won't blow off, goes on or off in a second with one hand, toss them in the sink for the day.

 

[thinwater]

Now we're talking real PBO.

BTW . Who invented the spray hood and did he get a ribbing from his mates.

Only the stuborn, single ones.

 

[zoidberg]

Start a 'thing'....

Make up some sheet winch covers in fabric to match your facemask..... ( make up a spare. You know why ) then make up a matching windlass cover, then one for your outboard motor, then another one for the windvane.... then another for the anchor on the foredeck.... then your cockpit instruments, too, and......

It's gonna be a long winter.

 

[neil_s]

But M&S tubs are perhaps a better shape than Christmas pudding ones surely ?

I'm sure you're right but it's what I had to hand!

 

[neil_s]

Are you saying that the grease is washed out by rain? What sort of grease do you use?

And the oil on the pawls!