Barbarossa Sheet Winches

[Aja]

At the end of last season I noticed that what appeared to be a 'flat spot' on one of my two-speed winches.

Over the winter, as ususal, I intended to strip them down and do something about it. As it turned out, sat last sunday morning in the cradle in glorious sunshine while awaiting launch first thing on monday and stripped the offending winch down.

This is the first time I have had to look into the guts of a winch - something I approached with some trepidation.

Anyhow, on taking the thing to bits as far as my nerve would go, and cleaning off all the old grease, it became apparent that I wasn't going to find anything obviously wrong.

So I re-applied a light smear of grease on the parts that I had removed and reassembled the whole thing, more in hope that a touch of grease would do the trick.

On trying the winch, again there seems to be a spot where it feels and sounds 'rough'. I know that when the winch is under load that it will stick.

Any advice?

Thanks

Donald

 

[steve_cronin]

So there isn't any "lost motion" as such? Just a stiffness at one point of the circle? Is this in both directions, i.e. at both speeds?

If so then I would suggest either a burr on a flange somewhere, a rough bearing roller or ball (it doesn't take much below bright shiney mirror smooth to make it sound rough) or a slightly bent spindle caused by a sudden snatch load at sometime in the past. Run the winch by hand and note the gap between the drum and the base. Use feeler guages to determine the gap and make sure that it stays uniform all around AND whilst the drum is turning.

I have seen winches affected in this way by being used to secure mooring lines, particularly springs. This is BAD seamanship but is sadly all too common in the racing fraternity who might even also use ungiving pre-stretched old sheets as mooring lines. One big wash from a fishing boat in the night and the snatch load from the weight of yours and two or three outside you can get put on a sheet winch which was never designed to take it. Next morning you notice a "dickey" winch when you are half way back down the river. It only takes a few thou' run out to cause damage.

Sudden gybes CAN cause it , particularly as most production boats usually have winches of one size too small in the interests of build economy (stingeyness) but winch abuse is much more likely.
Steve Cronin

 

[Aja]

I have to admit the winch body does 'rock' slightly on its base. Using as a cleat is something I wouldn't do, however, I must admit it has happened a couple of times when other boats have come alongside when I've not been on board.

If the centre spindle has been bent due to a shock load, I suppose this is not easily repairable? The price of a new winch gives me palpatations!

 

[steve_cronin]

You can certainly get parts for Lewmars & Karkens so I wouldn't get too depressed

Steve CRonin

 

[Strathglass]

Donald I dont know if you are aware but all Harken winches are made by Barbarossa. Spares such as bearings or rollers should not be too difficult to obtain. You will find info on the Harken web site.
Iain

 

[Guest]

Donald, I've sent you a PM wrt your winch

Best regards,

KCA