MacGregorSailors.com

So,

Having looked at the winch now for a couple of days, I am pretty sure it is the original winch from 29 years ago...so it's time to replace it. The stainless steel cable looks like new though. Anyways, can someone point me to the model from Northern Tool that is the replacement for the winch? Also, does anyone have a good writeup and/or pictures of how to perform this swap?

Thanks in advance.

Sherman

I don't know any details but my 86' M25 could probably use a refit as well! I will tell you to check out the hose clamped onto the bottom of that shaft. Last time I was out and raising the keel, the hose separated and I had a small geyser of water in my boat until I was able to reseat that hose!

This one should work fine. Make sure you get one with a brake.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... _200331203

Awesome thank you.

Replaced winch today w/1200lbs version. Works like a charm.

I bought the above listed winch from Northern Tools today. The instructions say that using less than 3 bolts can damage the winch, but my boat only has two holes where I removed the old winch. Should I risk drilling a third hole in the boat or risk failure of the winch by only using two bolts?

I would drill the 3rd hole. Made sure you use as big a washer as you can under the bolt heads.

It depends on where the two holes are in relation to the line of action of the rope, and the relationship to the mounting base. If the rope pull is parallel to the mounting surface, then only the bolt(s) behind the drum will be in tension. But without seeing it, I'm speculating about the geometry.

But if it's easy, I'd just drill the third hole. If the original winch had just two holes, they would have been in line, down the center of the winch, so you'd probably have to drill new holes anyway for the three-bolt pattern.

https://goo.gl/photos/zadYNdLUiBCpvJ4S9

I'm missing that whole wooden piece that is pictured in the previous picture.

I added that piece of 3/4" white oak flooring (grooved side up for traction) on top of the factory step. Made it wider and longer.