Winch handles...

N

Neil

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Lost my first winch handle overboard during the week. The lever at the top caught the guardrail wire and as I withdrew the handle (and I did snatch it), it stretched the wire to the point that I lost my grip and the handle was launched like an arrow for about 3 metres into the sea! :(

I've ordered a cheap, floating replacement: Talamex 10" Floating Winch Handle - not sure how long it'll last though...anybody any experience of these?
 
Not sure about the Talamax but I have Lewmar Titans on a boat I coach on that are also floating. One tip is to put some bright tape or paint marker on the top of the black handle...if (when) the winch handle goes overboard, it floats mostly below the water and just the handle portion bobs above the water. The tape makes it easier to locate
 
JTulls said:
Not sure about the Talamax but I have Lewmar Titans on a boat I coach on that are also floating. One tip is to put some bright tape or paint marker on the top of the black handle...if (when) the winch handle goes overboard, it floats mostly below the water and just the handle portion bobs above the water. The tape makes it easier to locate
Click to expand...

Thanks! noted.
 
I find the shorter handle much more usable than a longer one - both for the coachroof winchs and the winchs mounted on the cockpit sides they dont snag as much.
 
savageseadog said:
Racing sailors never use floating handles. They would never go back to pick one up.
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Quite so the last one I lost was close to the finish line in a tight race so carried on finished the race then returned to try to find the floating winch handle. But could not find it. Next thing is with a floater if you do get back to it is that it is almost impossible to pick it up with a boat hook. You need to either have net to scoop it out or put a crew into the water. ie exchange the crew for the handle. Or perhaps recover the crew if you are feeling magnanimous.
But I like the floating handles for the gentleness of crash when you drop then in the boat.
I have lost a few floaters but I have one old metal one, now over 35yo came with the boat. Seems it just won't jump overboard. olewill
 
I once had to (literally) single hand back from P Bélon to Aberdyfi, when an Australian floating handle disintegrated, dislocating my R thumb. That hurt a lot for about 6 weeks, even though I'd immediately re-located it.

I was forced to buy the Barton brand of the same handle (now badly worn) a few weeks later.
IMHO the "floating" claim is hardly justified (only the top of the handle can be seen when afloat) and I purchase cheapy handles off a poster on this forum. Usually Lewmar or Barton rejects, perfectly usable and @ 15% of the price.
Of late I haven't thrown any overboard and am now embarrassed by a superfluity of winch handles of which two are quite badly worn, but not badly enough to justify being ditched.
So 4 in the cockpit, one @ the mast and one on the chain-locker, with two pressed into service to keep the forehatch open, act as a paperweight etc.
 
Got that winch handle this morning. Argh! it has no ratchet mechanism, no wonder it was cheap........

Fortunately I have two speed winches so I can still 'pump' the winch :)
 
Last edited:
Neil said:
Got that winch handle this morning. Argh! it has no ratchet mechanism, no wonder it was cheap........

Fortunately I have two speed winches so I can still 'pump' the winch :)
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Hi Neil

When you say it has no ratchet mechanism what exactly do you mean

The ratchet action is normally in the winch not in the handle

Or do you mean the ability to lock the handle into the winch

Regards Don
 
Yes, I'm a stupid boy.

No engagement of the brain between opening the post and posting the thread.

I'd forgotten it was the two speed winches that allowed me to work both ways, not a ratchet winch handle (which apparently used to be available..)
 
Neil said:
Yes, I'm a stupid boy.

No engagement of the brain between opening the post and posting the thread.

I'd forgotten it was the two speed winches that allowed me to work both ways, not a ratchet winch handle (which apparently used to be available..)
Click to expand...

I have to say that was probably the dumbest post ever on ybw
 
Neil said:
Yes, I'm a stupid boy.

No engagement of the brain between opening the post and posting the thread.

I'd forgotten it was the two speed winches that allowed me to work both ways, not a ratchet winch handle (which apparently used to be available..)
Click to expand...

If you really want a ratchet winch handle get yourself a 3/4 square drive socket ratchet and file/grind the drive down to 5/8 inch and fit a rotating handle to the end and there you have it.
 
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