December 12, 2010
Winches seemed like an easy place to start. The Tanzer 7.5 was outfitted with Lewmar #8 single speed winches. I’ve got three, the third seems like an after thought on top to help haul up the mainsail. There is a winch on the mast, I think, can’t remember at the moment…
I did some research on the net and the it seemed that it would be a simple task to overhaul – and it was. Lewmar literature (posted on Lewmar’s site) suggests servicing the winches twice a season, and once over winter. Given how dry and gooey these winches were, I doubt they were ever done.
A quick dissemble was in order followed by a cleaning in Dunk degreaser which leaves a super-light oil deposit. I then gave them a good oiling with a light 3-in-1 on the pawls and springs, spindle and roller bearings, a light dab of waterproof axle grease on the ratchet teeth. I a working on applying several coats of Cetol to the bases, in the video you’ll see the before and after.
I made this video below on reassembling a winch, more for the practice of making a video as the winch is really straight forward, hopefully someone will find it useful.