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Captain Grandpa · 13-01-2013, 10:54

Let me start with I am a very new sailor. One moment I think it might be fun to rent a sailboat and the next I own a 1965 Islander Bahama. (some assembly required). The winches for the jib sheets were in a box with the rest of the removed tackle. I took them apart and cleaned 40 years of sludge out of them I need to attack the winch for my main halyard. My question is, *tries not to appear a complete moron* How do I remove the winch from the mast?

David_Old_Jersey · 13-01-2013, 11:07

No idea how fixed on (pics helpful) but often enough with pop rivets - easy to drill out, but to reinstal need a pop riveter (although can often get by with self tappers, but not sure if they enough for a mast winch

).

But as you imply boat a bit of a kit

, my big question would be - does the winch work? if so I would leave alone (or move to the bottom of your list)..........simply because you sound like will have plenty of other stuff that does need doing.

My top tip as you go along is to ask self "do I really need to do this job"

and if the answer is simply "I would like to" then drop it behind the list of things that are needed............cash and enthusiasm (aka will to live!) both have limits - spend what you have of both wisely

.

Captain Grandpa · 13-01-2013, 11:15

I will figure out how to get a pic of it on here thx. When I took the other two winches apart I found a couple broken and mangled springs. We had to fabricate new springs. The winch does turn but I have to assume it is filled with the same sludge. You're right there are tons of individual projects.

SkiprJohn · 13-01-2013, 11:32

Once you've taken the drum off the winch there should be some flathead screws attaching the winch to the mast at the base of the winch.
Good luck on your new to you project.
Springs and pawls can be found at different winch supply companies on line. It'll save you the time and stress of fabricating your own.
kind regards,

Captain Grandpa · 13-01-2013, 11:44

Thanks SkiprJohn. At the risk of showing my ignorance, how does one get ahold of the nut inside the mast?

barnakiel · 13-01-2013, 11:54

There may be no nut. It may be a metal screw. (No idea what the proper English name is - read: the type of screw that screws into metal plates (no nut required).

On our mast the winch is attached to a plate support rather than directly to the mast ...

b.

Captain Grandpa · 13-01-2013, 11:58

Fantastic I will climb up there later I hope and start dismantling it. Everyone's help is very much appreciated!

Cormorant · 13-01-2013, 11:58

Can't you service a winch while it remains attached to its base? Remove the snap ring, lift the drum, remove the springs and pawls and bearings, clean / replace as necessary. . . . ?

Captain Grandpa · 13-01-2013, 12:06

Possibly but I have already sanded the other two winch pads in perpetration of varnishing. I can't leave that one all ugly. I had to soak/scrub for days to clean the first two. I'm told they quit using this style of winch back in the 50's. I doubt they have been taken apart since then. I'm probably being a little OCD but I feel the need to make sure I'm not cutting any corners. She is a demanding mistress!

Captain Grandpa · 13-01-2013, 12:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Grandpa

Possibly but I have already sanded the other two winch pads in perpetration of varnishing. I can't leave that one all ugly. I had to soak/scrub for days to clean the first two. I'm told they quit using this style of winch back in the 50's. I doubt they have been taken apart since then. I'm probably being a little OCD but I feel the need to make sure I'm not cutting any corners. She is a demanding mistress!

Perpetration =preparation. Stupid spell check heh.

SkiprJohn · 13-01-2013, 12:21

The term is machine screws and let's hope that's the way it's mounted.
kind regards,

Captain Grandpa · 15-01-2013, 19:47

Still too windy to climb up there. Hopefully it calms a bit tomorrow. Thanks again for the help.

nes · 15-01-2013, 22:02

I am trying to imagine a wench for the main halyard, that is too high to get to due to the wind blowing.
Here are two links to Islander Bahama's. The first is a 1965, the second is a 1975. Neither of them appear to have a wench for the main halyard, on the mast or otherwise. The first does appear to have some painted wenches. As for getting the bolt/nut out from inside the Mast, on more modern designs, there is usually a cover on the other side of the mast. You take the cover off and use a socket through the mast. (IF it is not just a machine screw, or welded on nut).

The Continuing Adventures of the Gandy Dancer: February 2011

1975 Islander Islander Bahama 30 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

In any case, it sounds like a project. Keep focused and remember that the goal is to get out and go sailing, not just work on the boat all the time.