Winch not holding position on V222

[magnumopus]

So I launched my V222 yesterday for the first time this year. Also it has only been my second time launching since I've owned it. Last year I got out once after I bought it at the end of Aug and the keel winch worked fine. Whenever I stopped turning, it stayed and the keel went up and down no problem. This year as I was launching the boat was a different story. As the boat was coming off the trailer it stopped moving backwards no matter what I did. After some pointless pushing I realized that the keel was trying to swing down and was digging into the sand. Anyway I managed to lock the keel using my boat hook while I finished launching the boat and then better tied it with some line until I was ready to put it down. Does anybody know if the winch just needs to be cleaned or could this be something more serious? The boat is on a mooring bouy for the summer so would it be okay to take it apart on the water or should I put it back on the trailer? If anybody has any ideas it would be great because I wouldn't want to permanently damage anything and then have the keel stuck down with no winch.

[Freedom77]

If it is the standard brake winch, it sounds like it might be time to replace. Since keel is down for the season you can remove it for examination, which means diving under the boat and unbolting cable from keel. Hope the water is not to cold. You can get the winch through Harbor Freight or other trailer supply. Would also be a good time to inspect cable. Fair Winds and Full Sails...Old Salt.