Broken Winch Ratchet Gear - Lewmar 16 Hold Fast Series

[bomberhart]

Hi Everyone,

I am putting this here, because it was really a pain to fix this problem. There may be others in the future and I want them to have a resource when this explodes.

I have a 1983 Catalina C36 with a cabin top Lewmar Hold Fast 16. It comes from the "no replacement parts exist" series of winches...

A common problem that I experience is that the main ratchet gear basically shattered and the winch no longer turns. I couldn't find a replacement anywhere, but I got turned onto Winch Spares in the UK, and they were able to build one and ship it to me.

If you have a similar issue with your Lewmar Hold Fast 16ST, it may be a good resource for you. You can message me if you need details - hopefully this saves you some time that I spent trying to find parts.

[kostasc]

Hi,
unfortunately i'm in the same position as you. The same ratchet gear broke in 4 pieces and not able to find a spare . Could you please give some hints ?

Thanks

[Rumrace]

You could contact a local 3D printer and have them reproduce the gear in PEEK.
My printers can’t handle PEEK its 450c stuff. My winches are notorious for breaking springs but so far so good
If you’re uncomfortable with a plastic gear you’d be shocked where peek gears are common. Nuclear waste valves. Eek.
Alternatively a local 3D print shop could make you a mould to cast metal in
You may be surprised to find the data for many gears are public domain.