Help on repairing Lewmar 44 ST - free rotating

eebygum

eebygum

Well-Known Member
Joined
6 Nov 2002
Messages
566
Location
Manchester
Visit site
I’m currently cruising in the Norwegian Fjords having sailed from the UK via Shetland and one of my Lewmar 44ST winches for the Genoa sheets has gone following an encounter with a bad squall.... basically it free rotates in both directions. I can winch a Genoa sheet in, but would have to lock the sheet off on a cleat.


I’ve never tackled a winch repair before.... any suggestions what the issue could be, is this something I could repair myself (if so should I order the Service Kit or take it apart first with the help of YouTube video).

I’m heading down to Bergen via the inner fjords over the next couple of days so probably not going to need it as mostly motoring but have the option for my mate to bring out spare parts if I know what I need. Assume that would be cheaper than buying in Bergen ?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Cheers, Andrew
Yacht Starkicker (Beneteau 35s7)
 
It's likely that the pawls aren't returning: either the springs have gone or they're gummed up with old grease. Is the characteristic clicking when you crank on the winch still audible? When were they last serviced? (Annually is a good idea.)

I can imagine why you're a bit daunted, but it's really easy to get at them, as the above links will show. There are also lots of vids on Youtube. The parts are quite small: take extreme measures not to lose any overboard. Having someone take photos as you disassemble the winch is also a good idea.

When you reassemble, the bearings should have a light smear of waterproof grease. The spings and pawls should be oiled.
 
When you lift off the drum put a hand underneath as you move it to where ever you will be cleaning. Sometimes the needle rollers that go between the inside of the drum and the shaft come up with the drum but then fall out as you move it around. Guess how I know!
TudorSailor
 
Praxinoscope said:
Just noticed the OP user name, isn’t that what the Foreign Office used to call President Mugabe? Mr Ebagum?
Click to expand...

Try the old despot's name backwards ;)
Manchester folk, such as the OP, are 'abitual eebagummers, as Albert Tatlock was fond of demonstrating.

P.S. Fans of Dylan Thomas may be reminded of the name of the village in 'Under Milk Wood': Llareggub.
 
Last edited:
eebygum said:
I’ve never tackled a winch repair before.... any suggestions what the issue could be, is this something I could repair myself (if so should I order the Service Kit or take it apart first with the help of YouTube video).
Click to expand...

It really is easy. Have a look on youtube for Lewmar winch service, get some light oil and grease and, from your description of the problem, the Lewmar pawls and springs kit. A bucket and some white spirit and off you go.
 
Last edited:
macd said:
Try the old despot's name backwards ;)
Manchester folk, such as the OP, are 'abitual eebagummers, as Albert Tatlock was fond of demonstrating.

P.S. Fans of Dylan Thomas may be reminded of the name of the village in 'Under Milk Wood': Llareggub.
Click to expand...

You forgot Llamedos, our club had a dinghy with this name.
 
Eebygum... thanks for all the advice. I’ve ordered a Lewmar service and maintenance kit for my mate to bring out to Bergen.

Will tackle the job with a couple of YouTube videos on the IPad.

Cheers, Andrew
 
Before you start dismantling cut a round hole in the bottom of a suitably sized cardboard box or stiff paper bag and put this round the winch. This will catch any of the bits springing out.
Also note carefully from the instructions which bits need a SMALL amount of grease, and which only have LIGHT oiling when reassembling.
With these bits of advice I received i, as a winch numpty, have successfully serviced our winches a few times now
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top