Crunched winches / PhotoAlbum now live!

[Robert Wilson]

Had you ever serviced the winches since you got the boat? Do you know when they were last checked?

Just trying to gauge how quickly the problem developed.

Andy

I bought the boat in September 2010. During the winter ashore I undertook all sorts of "maintenance jobs" but couldn't work out how to strip the winches.
I should admit that I am only a competent DIYer, not an expert.
At last year's boat show Harken's stand chap showed me how to disassemble the winches and what to do when stripped (clean,oil grease etc).
On stripping them last winter I did as instructed BUT in my ignorance had assumed that the wear and tear was acceptable, so I foolishly re-assembled them and started the new season.
So to answer your question (and backed-up by others' threads) I don't think they have EVER been serviced - rarely, at best.
I can only assume the wear on the spindle teeth was slow to start with, but accelerated in later years. Certainly when comparing mine with photos of others' "sound" winches I realise that mine were in a state of extreme wear.
Although the palls and springs looked ok, I assume that it was the final "slipping" on the race day due to heavy loading on the worn teeth that caused them to shatter. On the other hand, it may have been the palls finally failing. I have no idea when they were last replaced, if ever.
If you would like I'll email you copies of the photos of two sets of winches (from other "threaders") which show the spindle teeth as they should be - very bright metal with no signs of wear.
The model of my Lewmar 40s can only be fully serviced by entire removal from their mountings (to get at the bottom palls and gears) - a BIG disincentive to maintain properly. When I eventually inspected the bottom palls and gears I would say that the grease was in fair condition and with no salt buil-up. One pall spring was broken. (out of four)

So, I hope the above helps. If you would like to discuss it further, I'd be happy to talk on the telephone.

 

[misterg]

Thanks for the information. I'm trying to calm the pangs of guilt that I'm feeling having ignored our 4 Anderson winches for the last 3 years (Last time I looked they were pristine.)

Would it be fair to say that with your current knowledge that you would have been alerted to problems when you stripped the winches last Winter?

At least the Andersons can be serviced without unscrewing the winch...

Andy

 

[Robert Wilson]

Thanks for the information. I'm trying to calm the pangs of guilt that I'm feeling having ignored our 4 Anderson winches for the last 3 years (Last time I looked they were pristine.)

Would it be fair to say that with your current knowledge that you would have been alerted to problems when you stripped the winches last Winter?At least the Andersons can be serviced without unscrewing the winch...

Andy

Hi Andy,
Yes, definitely would have seen the wear as excessive, probably terminal. A clear case of ignorance NOT being bliss.
Glad yours were pristine 3 years ago. I suppose a lot would depend on how much use they've had since and if their environment is particularly harsh.

Lucky you having "non-demountable" servicing capabilities!

Good luck,
Robert

 

[wklein]

I can't imagine that those winches were damaged from sailing, however i can't imagine what would create enough force to do that to them. Whatever happened i don't think greasing them two years ago would have made much difference.

 

[Robert Wilson]

I can't imagine that those winches were damaged from sailing, however i can't imagine what would create enough force to do that to them. Whatever happened i don't think greasing them two years ago would have made much difference.

Thanks. I agree - it is definitely a case of long term neglect. But my ignorance (or ignorant hope) made me think they would have lasted a while longer.
I suppose better to have failed on an inshore race than something more exposed.
Ah well, bang goes the paint job, winches are a necessity!
By the way, I will get in touch with your father about the schooners!
Robert