Harken 8 classic winch

[RaqLake1916]

Hello,

My 20 footer came with a harken 8 classic winch with 1 speed. Since I'm usually solo, I'd like to upgrade to a self-tailing; is there a part That I Can purchase to upgrade my winch or do I need to go and buy a whole new one?
Either way is this a difficult job? My skills are still limited in this area so I'm trying to see if i can handle this upgrade or if I need to bring it to a shop.

Thank you!


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[Ex-Calif]

I don't think you will find a conversion kit.

Here are a few winches for sale on CF. Not sure you will like the price...

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...archid=6803085

Another option are these Watski donuts but they don't work well, reportedly and not sure they make them to fit your winch.

Barton Watski Self Tailer Winchers

I single hand all the time. On a 20 footer you shouldn't really need self tailing.

[RaqLake1916]

Thanks for the options. Honestly I'd have to agree that on a 20 footer single handed a self tailing would be unnecessary, however my main is insanely hard to hoist-no idea why..


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[Ex-Calif]

If the sail is on lugs, hoist it a bit and see if the lugs can "wobble" in the track, they could be worn.

Also try squirting dish soap on the lugs and in the track before you hoist. My main is old and tired and I've been using this trick for a while.

You can buy fancy "sailing" lug lube but it's not worth it.

OTOH - you could have a frozen sheave at the mast top - unhook the halyard, attach a tailing line and hoist the halyard without sail but with some "tension". It should run smooth.

Oh - Also hoisting when not head to wind can also be problematic as the lugs are canted sideways.

[RaqLake1916]

I'll give that a try tomorrow hopefully.. Thank you!


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[Dsanduril]

+1 everything Ex-Calif said. Only thing I can contribute, I like to use electrical wire pulling lube (http://www.gardnerbender.com/en/79-006)) instead of dish soap. Costs about the same, and the modified wax versions dry to a thin, slippery film that lasts through a couple of rains or very wet sailing sessions.