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kryg · 18-10-2015, 20:34

Since I turned 70, it was time for me to find a way to keep sailing for the next 5 years or so. As a solution I bought a Milwaukee 0721-20 28V 1/2" Cordless Right Angle Drill because I can added backup batterys to use as an electric winch handel with a winch socket fitting.

I realize the risk of using it in driving wet condions it will have a short life. Question - Does anyone have the experence and a solution on how to best to water proof it?

**Jim Cate** · 18-10-2015, 20:42

Kryg, we were faced with the same problem when we bought ours. Our response was Ann sewing up a sunbrella "shroud" which covers the body, but not the chuck or handle area. Not water proof, but does help keep rain or spray off of the more sensitive bits. Has worked so far (fingers crossed). We posted a photo of this in a previous thread on the subject... a google search will likely find it (I don't remember the title).

Jim

Siberianhusky · 19-10-2015, 03:40

Spray it full of CRC or CorrosionX, I mean full until it is running out of every opening.
Most of us use either to protect the electronics in electric rc race boats. Works great some of the setups pull close to 200 amps and speeds well north of 60mph in with a 34" boat!
Recievers, servos, speed controls all get well coated.

**a64pilot** · 19-10-2015, 04:58

Mine came with a neoprene sleeve, sort of like a beer bottle coozy, I believe it's mostly to protect the boat and it seems to do that well, but it will block airflow, so if your going to use it for extended heavy use like hauling someone up the mast, remove it, but for normal use it's been fine.
I do tend to try to protect the thing from spray though.
This page has a cover you can buy if your not handy with a sewing machine
http://www.thecranker.com/

duefocena · 19-10-2015, 08:11

I've had my 18 volt Milwaukee RHD for 10 years and it is still going strong. I used 1" foam pipe insulation split open and then taped around the handle with the cooling vents cut out. It protects the boat and insulates the handle. I've looked into the newer, larger voltage ones but can't justify the expenditure with this one still working.

**a64pilot** · 19-10-2015, 08:29

Wait until you price extra batteries for the 28V, best i could find is $140 by the time you pay tax etc. in the US.
If you commit to the Milwaukee drill, have a look at the vacuum that uses the same battery, sort of a little shop vac and works great

sailcrazy · 19-10-2015, 09:08

We've been using the (less voltage) 18v Milw drill for the last 4 years. It is an absolute godsend; we use it for furling the H/S under load, for going up the mast, launching and recovering the 3.3m RIB from the foredeck, and furling the S/S....oh, and for some drilling needs as well. We protected the drill by covering the vent slots, applying multiple coats of the rubbery liquid vinyl over everything from the chuck back to the handle, and then reopening the cooling slots. After 4+years of cruising we've got a little surface rust on the chuck....and no other issues. With one extra battery it's always ready to go to work. A great piece of kit if you don't have electric or hyd winches.

Dennis1679 · 19-10-2015, 10:30

How long does the battery charge last?

sailcrazy · 19-10-2015, 11:57

Dennis1679...not to be a smartaZX about it, but it depends on how much we're using it. On average, I'd guess we swap out the battery about every 2-3 weeks. And when we swap it out, we put the spent battery on the charger for a couple of hours, then store it until we need it. If we're doing a lot of going up the mast, or raising/lowering the RIB, we may have to change it more often. But-bottom line- it's not often enough to be a PITA-hardly noticeable! And we only carry 2 batts-1 in use and 1 waiting. The only downside is-the drill is somewhat heavy to handle.....but it sure beats cranking on the winch when the 135% Jenny is loaded, the winds come up, and the Admiral's favorite words are....."we need to reef-now"!

**a64pilot** · 19-10-2015, 12:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis1679

How long does the battery charge last?

For me it's a full day of sailing and it's down to 50%, but it charges fast, maybe an hour tops?

kryg · 19-10-2015, 17:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Wait until you price extra batteries for the 28V, best i could find is $140 by the time you pay tax etc. in the US.
If you commit to the Milwaukee drill, have a look at the vacuum that uses the same battery, sort of a little shop vac and works great

Ebay Aust is selling for AUD 180 = USD 130 2 battierys or AUD 89 for one battiery that are unbranded. here is the link.
2 PCS 28V Cordless Battery FOR Milwaukee 3000mAh Drill V28 0719 22 0721 21 Tool | eBay

captain mitch · 19-10-2015, 18:01

Waterproofing aside, when buying extra/replacement batteries you should know that Milwauke told me a couple years ago when I was buying extra battery for mine that the battery has only about an 18 month shelf life.
They gave me the production date codeing stamped on the battery, (damn-it I can't remember it)
but recomended that I have a hardware store special order a battery thereby assuring that it will be relatively fresh and consequently last the longest.

wannacat · 19-10-2015, 18:04

I've had my 28V for 4 years and love it. I get 4 hoists of the Main on my 2 speed Lewmar's. Mast height is approx. 53 ft off the water and the main is very heavy on our 38 ft Cat with 6 full length round fiberglass battens. As others mentioned, the battery charges pretty quickly. I have the option of using the windlass, but this is far easier and safer for me. Get one!!!

**GordMay** · 20-10-2015, 04:11

MILWAUKEE:

Date Codes ➥ https://www.markssupply.ca/ASSETS/DO...Data_Sheet.pdf

Warranty ➥ http://www1.milwaukeetool.com/CMS/Se...rranty_FIN.pdf

Nicholson58 · 20-10-2015, 19:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by kryg

Since I turned 70, it was time for me to find a way to keep sailing for the next 5 years or so. As a solution I bought a Milwaukee 0721-20 28V 1/2" Cordless Right Angle Drill because I can added backup batterys to use as an electric winch handel with a winch socket fitting.

I realize the risk of using it in driving wet condions it will have a short life. Question - Does anyone have the experence and a solution on how to best to water proof it?

I have seen a sleeve on line for these. I think it was the same guy that was selling the winch bits.