Winch winding direction

[wbranner]

I have two winches mounted on each side of the cockpit and want to switch the ones in front with the ones in back (Move the self tailers to the back so I can single hand easier).

When seeing what that involved, I removed the drum from the base. That went well, but when I replaced the winch on the drum, the winch now winds in the reverse direction.

What did I do/not do and what do I need to do to reverse the direction of the winch?

[GordMay]

You may have reversed the pawls on the ratchet gear. Flip them over, & try again.

[PlumBob]

A general comment -

One thing I have started doing when I take something apart - I keep my little digital camera handy and snap pictures as I take things apart. Since I can scroll backward through the pictures, it makes re-assembly a much more pleasant task.

Especially important (to me) when I have to dig into something for which I don't have a diagram.

[ggray]

This is interesting; I wouldn't have thought it possible to reverse the pawls, but I will look next time.

[Pblais]

I wouldn't have thought it possible to reverse the pawls

I am always amazed at things you can do perfectly fine on a boat yet be backwards. Best if you notice it at the dock. Looks like you are smarter than you think.

[Andrew Troup]

Some winches have symmetrical pockets for the pawls (allowing them to be assembled either 'hand'), others do not.