Episode 98 - Required Winch Maintenance

It began subtly—an occasional slip, a momentary hesitation. Then the winches grew stubborn, sticking and losing their reliability. A sailboat without trustworthy winches is little more than a motorboat, so the situation demanded attention. These winches are only two years old, always protected, yet Lewmar reminded us that even well kept gear needs annual care. I’d dreaded the task, but the EVO design makes servicing surprisingly simple. Armed with winch grease, pawl oil, and a spare parts kit, I took them apart piece by piece. Ninety minutes per winch, most of it spent cleaning away the hidden grime. When it was done, the winches spun smooth and strong again—and I gained both confidence and experience. Another project complete… and many more waiting in the wings. Subscribe and share in our adventure! Become part of the conversation on Facebook by liking https://www.facebook.com/SV.MomentsInTime/ As always, please feel free to comment and let us know your thoughts.