hello, i was wandering if there are any pics out there of what the original keel winch looks like? i am very new and don't see a release to lower the winch, the manual i read says there is some sort of clutch when u put the handle on that will enable lowering the keel?
frelichth Lifetime Member
Posts : 113 Sailboat : Clipper Birthday : 1959-02-21 Join date : 2012-06-14 Age : 65
Subject: Re: keel winch Wed Aug 08, 2012 8:08 pm
On the original style winch there is a braking system that holds the load under load and turning the handle to lower the load releases the brake. If the unit is working correctly the load is under control at all times. As soon as you stop turning the handle the brake re-engages and holds the load. I am getting ready to clean mine and relube the gearing. Will be taking pictures of the process and posting to this site.
Ill admit that my wench is not original but there was a small lever that needed to be flicked to lower and raise the keel. Problem is that its in a tight spot so fingers could get caught between the keel handle and the keel mount.
frelichth Lifetime Member
Posts : 113 Sailboat : Clipper Birthday : 1959-02-21 Join date : 2012-06-14 Age : 65
Subject: Re: keel winch Fri Aug 10, 2012 10:02 pm
I'm at work right now but I'll get pics tomorrow of the original assembly once I get it loose and unstrung. As I remember, the gears are similar to any other winch. The braking assy is just outside the housing and enclosed under a small cover to protect it. Mine needs cleaned and the gears need lubed as it is very stiff in operation.
frelichth Lifetime Member
Posts : 113 Sailboat : Clipper Birthday : 1959-02-21 Join date : 2012-06-14 Age : 65
Subject: Re: keel winch Sat Aug 11, 2012 12:42 am
Here's another idea. Found a link for a new replacement winch of the same type originally used. 1500 lb capacity with brake.
I just installed a Fulton #1000 on Seaweed two days ago. VERY happy w/ it's performance so far, just running it up and down a few times. Brake holds well which is a point that had me nervous as there in no lever to manually switch. Still lashed the handle before I left for piece of mind.
Not sure what her keel weighs but I'm guessing it is close to the winches capacity. Would have gone w/ the #1500 model but got ours free so I tried it.
I have a video you can look at maybe it would help
frelichth Lifetime Member
Posts : 113 Sailboat : Clipper Birthday : 1959-02-21 Join date : 2012-06-14 Age : 65
Subject: Re: keel winch Mon Aug 20, 2012 9:49 am
Mine didn't do that. I did however manage to borrow four sailboat stands which will make the job of getting the trailer out from under the boat a lot easier and the keel much easier to drop. Again hoping to get lots of pix of the process.
thanks again for the pics and info, i finally got lucky and after some prying and such on the keel i gave the winch handle a good shot and presto! it seems to be working correctly thanks again