Oil or grease for winch pawls?

[Avocet]

Ta! (Although I'm lucky enough to have the boat in the garden and a paraffin bath in the garage at present, so it's not too much of a chore)!

 

[geem]

He might, of course! The original designer / manufacturer would have specified a service regime based on the greases and oils available at the time AND the need to balance frequency of servicing with reasonable life and functionality worldwide. If geem is prepared to strip and re-grease his winches (say) twice a season instead of once, and if he sails in latitudes where it's unlikely to get cold enough for the grease to get thick enough to overcome the pawl springs then maybe grease IS the better option for him? My car's air filter is supposed to be changed every (say) 20,000 miles. I do it less often because I work for the car manufacturer concerned and I know it was specified to take into account the levels of dust it would be likely to encounter in Southern Mediterranean markets.

Sorry, I wasn't suggesting I know better than the designers. It's just what I have always done and I have never had a problem. I do strip winches in winter and once again in summer. Most of my winches are original 33 year old barlows. It's easy enough to clean grease off with a bit of diesel on a rag.
I have always thought that light oil didn't give enough lubrication. It you are happy to oil then I see no problem with that.