Okay, I am trying to win the dumbest question on the board award. My mast raising winch located on my mast raising pole works fine in one direction. In reverse, instead of rotating the winch spool (or whatever it is called) in the opposite direction, the winch handle starts unscrewing from its threads. I got a new winch and the same thing is happening. If I reach inside the working part of the winch, I can release a lock and the winch spool will move in reverse. Obviously, it is supposed to do that without sticking one's fingers inside (a bad idea with the weight of the mast pulling on the line that runs from the mast to the mast raising pole). What does one do in order to release the locking mechanism that otherwise precludes one from rotating the winch in reverse? Of course, the sticker on the winch, which is affixed to the pole, states that one should read the instructions before operating. However, no manual came with my mast raising kit. There is also a sticker with arrows in opposite directions, suggesting that the winch should move freely in both directions. Thanks. I'll assume that the dumb question award goes to me.
(My dealer sent me a new winch when I complained of this problem. However, when I attached the winch handle to the replacement winch, I had the same problem that I had with the original. It cranks the winch well in one direction and not at all in reverse. In reverse, the handle starts coming off of its threading.)
Chip S.
Brake winch for mast raising kit on 26M
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Tahoe Jack
- First Officer
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- Location: Lake Tahoe Nevada 2001 26X Evin/Suz 50..'Octopus'...
brake winch on mast raising kit
Hi Chip......I use a 26m style kit on my 26x, ala board member Erik Hardtle. I would strongly suggest your consider a dual-action winch...ratchets in both directions...as well as a neutral. I find this critical where significant loads occur both during raising and lowering the mast. I tried a WM winch...but found that the Harbor Frieght model P-41694 is superior in features, quality and price. Google them up....you could have a retail outlet...or they do mailorder. You may also want to check the archives...as well as mods...to see pictures etc. provided by Erik. Again, WM may have changed sources on the winch he recommends...the Harbor Freight unit is great. Good Luck Jack
Chip,
You have it assembled correctly. I just went out to the garage to look at mine and found that when cranking in one direction it ratchets perfectly and winds up the line. In the other direction the winch handle just unscrewed off the axel--just as you described. I discovered fooling around with it that if you put some tension on the line it will unwind the spool without unscrewing the winch handle.
I was sweating it for a moment there
You have it assembled correctly. I just went out to the garage to look at mine and found that when cranking in one direction it ratchets perfectly and winds up the line. In the other direction the winch handle just unscrewed off the axel--just as you described. I discovered fooling around with it that if you put some tension on the line it will unwind the spool without unscrewing the winch handle.
I was sweating it for a moment there
