winch repair

[gjbike]

My 32 year old boat has Lewmar #40 2 speed non self tailing winches. The chrome is worn and the texture on the drum is worn smooth. Unless I put 4 winds of sheet on the drum the line slips. Even with 4 winds there is some force still being transmitted to the cleats. Is there any way to fix this short of buying new drums? Also, there is quite a bit of difference in the cost of chrome vs anodized black. Much advantage of chrome in fresh water setting?

[ChucklesR]

IMHO chrome is a harder finish than anodized. Chrome is also slipperier. You could blast the drums with a course grit (say #6 or so) then have them re-plated. Or you can have the drum knurled and plated - depends on budget.

Of course if you truly have budget replace them with sail tailers. http://www.baconsails.com gets used stuff in, as do many local marina's and ebay of course.

[Giulietta]

My 32 year old boat has Lewmar #40 2 speed non self tailing winches. The chrome is worn and the texture on the drum is worn smooth. Unless I put 4 winds of sheet on the drum the line slips. Even with 4 winds there is some force still being transmitted to the cleats. Is there any way to fix this short of buying new drums? Also, there is quite a bit of difference in the cost of chrome vs anodized black. Much advantage of chrome in fresh water setting?

Have them re- knurled as Chuck suggests and re-chromed..any shop that does stuff for motorcycles can do that cheap

[T34C]

Have them re- knurled as Chuck suggests and re-chromed..any shop that does stuff for motorcycles can do that cheap

Please explain.

[Giulietta]

Please explain.

Knurling process

http://www.proshoppublishing.com/articles_knurling.html

Chrome Plating Process

Chrome Plating
Chrome plating - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[T34C]

Thanks Alex. Can all machine shops typically knurl a drum? How would you find someone tat can do this?

[Giulietta]

As long as they have a lathe yes..some knurling machines are approach drum rigs, that knurl around the target..but yes..they have all kinds of knurling patterns

[T34C]

Thanks Alex. Learning all kinds of new things today!

[Giulietta]

welcome Jim,

[gjbike]

You guys are a great source of info! Thanks

[xort]

Now I have something else I need to spend money on. THANKS!!!

[Giulietta]

and while you're at it, make sure you don't get the one with the nice organized even pattern..you need one with a rough pattern whose edges are smoothed out, otherwise, you will be buying new ropes in no time at all

Here is an example of the coarse shaped uneven smooth pattern

[xort]

I have a better idea.
Can I come for a visit next summer? Do you have many tools aboard? Do you take long walks on the beach?

[sailingdog]

And do you have a DHL office near the boat...

I have a better idea.
Can I come for a visit next summer? Do you have many tools aboard? Do you take long walks on the beach?