Wench Maintenance

[Larry Calfee]

Last weekend we were out on boat and I noticed a squeak in my primary wench while cranking.  I have owned the boat for several years and have not taken the wenches apart yet for lubrication.  I didn't find any references in the tech notes.  I looked on the Lewmar website and found references to the Ocean self tailing, but was not sure this is the same model that comes standard on the C-34 (1987).  I am looking for advice and information on wench lubrication and maintenance.  Any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks

[dave davis]

Since I just finished doing all six of mine over a two day effort, the choir is very fresh on my mind. There are a general instuctions in the Lewmar catalog. It doesn't matter if the are sizes 30-40, as long as they are self tailing, the general instructions would be the same. If you heard a strange noise, you probably have a brocken spring. I found two brocken springs this time. You should buy a Lewmar repair kit at WM for about 23$ and a tube of Lewmar winch grease.
They are preaty easy to take apart and clean in Kerosene or diesal fuel. Use a toothbrush and a stiff paint brush. Use a minimum of grease and use thin layor of oil on the pawls, no grease.If the pawls look very worn compared to the new ones in your kit, replace them also.
I hope you can get them apart easily. Two years ago, I could not pull the halyard ones due to bent shafts, which I had to replace. Thats another story.
Good luck and try to do this job more often.Ha Ha easy for me to say. There is a good breakdown of all the parts on page 999 of the WM Cat.

[Ted Pounds]

Larry,

You probably have Maxwell winches like I have on my '87.  Maxwell doesn't make winches anymore, but the company is still around and if you call them I think they can send you a maintenance manual.  I've taken mine apart.  All they require is regular cleaning and greasing.  If you take them apart with out a manual just make careful note of how to put them  back together.  Also just do one at a time so if you have trouble with one you can look at the other to see how it goes.  Also there aren't any parts to replace like the Lewmars.

Ted

[Rodney]

All this talk about lubricating wenches (and "wiches" too!) .. we're just gonna have to slap an "R" rating on this site...

[jentine]

I have found that when the wench squeals from too much time at the winch, she is best lubricated with a tall glass of white zinfandel.  I have tried other lubricants, but that one is the best for an enjoyable day.  Jim Kane