rachet winch handle

[paulburton44]

my genoa sheet winches do not rachet.

when trying to winch in the sprayhood gets in the way !

can you buy handles with rachets built in, like a socket rachet ?

<hr width=100% size=1>www.withamsailingclub.co.uk

 

[bpb]

I've never seen them but then I am a fairly recent convert to boats with sticks and bits of cloth. They are not shown in any of the catalogues from the usual mail order suppliers. Surely if the winch handle rachets it would then be of limited use with a two speed winch?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Guest]

Why not use a socket ratchet ? The winch handle hole is a squared hole ... and a suitable insert could be made / found ?


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ... and of course Yahoo groups :
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/

 

[paulburton44]

they are single speed.

you are right about the 2 speed not working.



<hr width=100% size=1>www.withamsailingclub.co.uk

 

[EdEssery]

A winch that doesn't ratchet - sounds odd to me. What make and model is it?

Are you sure it's not that the pawls are stuck or the pawl springs broken? Both thinks a simple winch service will sort out in 30 minutes....

Ed

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Moose]

Yes, they have them in Chichester Chandlery.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.phantom37.co.uk>Best boat in the world for sale</A>

 

[paulburton44]

thats what i thought (a winch that doesn't rachet ? )

had them apart .

the drum only turns one way on the base , but the handle hole is fixed to the drum.

<hr width=100% size=1>www.withamsailingclub.co.uk

 

[paulburton44]

do you have anymore details for this chandlery in chichester. ?

<hr width=100% size=1>www.withamsailingclub.co.uk

 

[Guest]

Something strange ...

winches fitted that are interfered with by sprayhood .... who designed the payout ??
I haven't seen non 'pawl' winches for years .....

Anyway - good luck with quest ....

<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ... and of course Yahoo groups :
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/

 

[snowleopard]

what you presumably mean is that you can't move the handle back & forth, it will only turn one way so you have to take it off and re-position it for each turn of the drum!

yes, ratchet handles are available, at a price. any chandler will find them in his catalogues if not from stock.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[dickh]

To get over your problem, firstly it sounds as though you should service your winches and replace pawls / springs as necessary. The solution to fouling the sprayhood is, unfortunately, either lower your sprayhood when sailing or reposition your winches further back so the handle doesn't touch the hood.
Ratchet handles are available but from memory are expensive.
My friends boat has this problem, it's fitted with old lewmar selftailers which appear to have a large gap between 'clicks' so you only get about 45º movement before having to start again - takes ages to winch in the genoa. And it fouls the spray hood. I've suggested he either gets new winches or moves the existing but he hasn't yet.


<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[tome]

Try a shorter winch handle. I have the same problem with my mainsheet winch when the sprayhood is up, but have found a slightly shorter handle sorted the problem.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[paulburton44]

a shorter handle will not work...

<hr width=100% size=1>www.withamsailingclub.co.uk

 

[steve123]

I have the same problem and recently saw a possible solution on another boat but haven't tried it yet - he had a flap cut out of the spray hood big enough to allow the winch handle to pass through. The flap was held in place top and bottom by velcro when not winching.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Guest]

I have velcro patches to allow sheeting of my genny in the dodgers .... ugh ! Just had to restitch the port diodger where the velcro fastened flap dropped into the block and was torn off .... how long would it be before it got wound into the winch turns ?


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ... and of course Yahoo groups :
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/

 

[Tim_Bennett]

I've heard of this problem before with DIY retro-fitted dodgers, covers etc. Best long term solution is to either move the winch so it's clear of obstructions, or move the obstruction. Personally, as a single hander, I couldn't be doing with rachetting winch handles and nearby obstructions when I'm trying to sort the bits of string. Good luck with whatever solution you go for.

<hr width=100% size=1>