Replacing winch wire with rope

[EBoat126]

The keel winch on our E boat is currently wound with 4mm galvanised wire badly in need of replacing before the start of the season. The keel weighs 318Kg minus the weight of rust that's fallen off over the years.

I'm wondering if I could use 6mm Dyneema instead of wire?

 

[Refueler]

There is good reason to use galv wire. It resists abrasion / damage in use. It clearly shows it's life and deterioration as it ages.
Any other material particularly stainless wire is a no-no on keel winches ... rope may be used - but then you are trusting you keel to a non-design item.

 

[Vara]

I seem to remember from reading a review that Southerly use dyneema or one of the exotics in their keel lifting mechanism.

So the principle is probably sound, probably have to be careful what pulley size you use as the exotics dont take too kindly to being kinked or constricted.

 

[Pincoya]

Dyneema is the way to go.

I have just ordered two lengths of single braid dyneema to replace my davit winch wire. The breaking strain is greater, the line is uv and abrasion resistant and does not store energy lkike wire does. My wire os in poor condition and I am worried about failure and possible injury.

Google dymeena winch rope, it is used widely for this purpose; here is just one link from that search

http://www.spidertrax.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.44/.f

Paul

 

[simonfraser]

why bother, how long has the SS wire lasted ?

with dyneema you have sheave size / abrasion to fuss over.

 

[Refueler]

[ QUOTE ]
why bother, how long has the SS wire lasted ?

with dyneema you have sheave size / abrasion to fuss over.

[/ QUOTE ]

You shlould not use SS wire for very good reason - it gives no warning of failure. Second what is material of keel it's lifting ? Most are not compatible with SS.

 

[simonfraser]

LOL indeed, i meant to say, use the same wire as now, it has lasted a long time.

 

[EBoat126]

Thanks all for your input, I've not used stainless wire for the reason suggested, i.e no warning of impending doom, I've used galvanised wire and replaced it every season and after this debate and some thought I'll probably continue to do so. I think I'll also keep a length of dyneema on board in case of cable failure (a constant worry as a keel stuck down around here would be a big problem). Ta for your input

 

[wotayottie]

I beliece they use that sort of rope on the much heavier keels of Southerlies. Rope doesnt corrode

 

[taalow]

Read some more information about synthetic winch rope.