Can This Be Repaired?

[J.Kitchens]

I guess someone is starting to learn why his name is KeelMe...I guess KillMe was taken.

[a64pilot]

I think I would want to heat it if I were going to try to bend it back straight, cause if you don’t, it’s possible it could crack and the next time it fails, it busts all of a sudden as opposed to bending, maybe.

BTW, Ken explained he was replacing it, and the difficulties he was having doing so.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I think I would want to heat it if I were going to try to bend it back straight, cause if you don’t, it’s possible it could crack and the next time it fails, it busts all of a sudden as opposed to bending, maybe.

BTW, Ken explained he was replacing it, and the difficulties he was having doing so.

Since it's basically just a guide and normally shouldn't be under a downward load if the winch is wrapped properly, I'm now thinking a repair might be the answer then see how it works out. Since I have access to an automotive machine shop, may as well give it a try.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by J.Kitchens

I guess someone is starting to learn why his name is KeelMe...I guess KillMe was taken.

I've found this forum to be a wealth of knowledge and a great source for meeting up with new friends in anchorages in remote places.

Some have not yet figured it out, and then others... seem to be slow learners.

[Peregrine1983]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

The winch wasn't overloaded, there were only three or four wraps on the winch when I sheeted in the yankee in what I thought were light winds of maybe 12-15 knots. As the wraps tightened, the wraps pulled (were drawn) downward towards the base of the winch under great force which resulted in deforming the guide arm to the angle of pull. Now I know to wrap the winch at least six times so the guide arm will be at the correct angle when under load.

Judging by the other respondents.... I'm not the first one to have this happen, we learn something new every day.

Thank you for the clarification. I get it now.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by FecklessDolphin

First figured out exactly where it bent. Then put in bench vice and hammered. Mine is a Lewmar ocean series 30, smaller but same concept. The guys it Lewmar actually recommend it

Thank you, I'll try doing that. It might be a week or so until I fetch it from the boat.

[Peregrine1983]

FWIW, I don’t understand the responses re “just get a new one” because it’s a nice boat. If it can be fixed, it should be fixed, not tossed out and replaced. Enough of this throwaway culture cr*p.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by Peregrine1983

FWIW, I don’t understand the responses re “just get a new one” because it’s a nice boat. If it can be fixed, it should be fixed, not tossed out and replaced. Enough of this throwaway culture cr*p.

We always fix or rebuild whenever possible, and usually do it ourselves.

Examples: We had the A/c pump quit on us last Spring and discovered that a OEM CruiseAir replacement would cost $1300-$1600 and we'd need to wait 6 weeks to receive it. Instead, I drove 15 miles up to a small electric motor rebuild shop in New Hampshire, had the electric motor portion of the pump tested, then the technician sold me a brand new replacement electric motor for $275... the pump half was fine, one day service. He then directed me to another local repair shop which repaired a DC hydraulic motor for $200 instead of us having to buy a new one from Lewmar for $2500. This also saved us a two month wait for the Lewmar replacement.

[guyrj33]

Originally Posted by KeelMe

I'm sorry. You are right.

Can this be repaired?

I know one professional I won't be hiring.

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by Peregrine1983

FWIW, I don’t understand the responses re “just get a new one” because it’s a nice boat. If it can be fixed, it should be fixed, not tossed out and replaced. Enough of this throwaway culture cr*p.

In general, I quite agree with this. Generally, castings are quite brittle. I was thinking about what happens when it breaks and how when heavy metal bits on boats start flying on boats, human flesh is pretty fragile. To me, this one is a safety issue for loved ones and guests, Ken would be risking.

Normally I am in the repair it group of us, even for outside the box repairs, but I think when a flying bit can blind someone, then prudence dictates replacing it, rather than depending on good luck. Ymmv.

Ann

[senormechanico]

KeelMe,



I had one of those same devices break on me in the same place!
You're probably devastated over the loss of your favorite item, but don't worry ! I fixed mine as you can see below.


Being a Professional Marine Electronics Technician, I'm pretty sure you will be able to fix yours as well.

[Chuck Hawley]

I think the stripper arm is cast bronze, with a chrome finish. I have bent them on occasion when someone has put too few wraps on the drum, and then has used the self-tailer to excess. The downward force results in what you have.

I put an adjustable end wrench (Crescent wrench) on the lowest part and gently pulled in the correct direction. The arm was re-aligned and no damage done.

This is a great reason to explain to your crew about the importance of loading up the drum with turns of line (at least four) so the stripping arm doesn't see downward forces.

Chuck

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by Chuck Hawley

I think the stripper arm is cast bronze, with a chrome finish. I have bent them on occasion when someone has put too few wraps on the drum, and then has used the self-tailer to excess. The downward force results in what you have.

I put an adjustable end wrench (Crescent wrench) on the lowest part and gently pulled in the correct direction. The arm was re-aligned and no damage done.

This is a great reason to explain to your crew about the importance of loading up the drum with turns of line (at least four) so the stripping arm doesn't see downward forces.

Chuck

I have a vice at home and a jumbo crescent wrench, I’ll try this suggestion first. Thanks

[Kenomac]

I just found a new guide arm online for only $62, so looks like I’m going with new.

[JPA Cate]

And I'd like to thank all of the guys who said it can safely be bent. Lewmar has to be aware of liability issues, and if they recommend repairing, as well as Chuck Hawley, whom I have a number of reasons to respect, well then, I'll admit is must be safe!

Cheers, all,

Ann