Bronze winch stand

[BlueReliant]

I'm trying to source replacement bronze winch stands for my 1965 Rhodes Reliant (see picture). Both bases on the port side were badly bent, cracked or sheared and whilst I am also trying to determine whether they are salvageable I wonder if anyone out there has any advice for sourcing replacements?

Spartan and other companies which have stock stands of a similar nature are not the right size or style and although I could try and get some cast custom, this is sadly far beyond my budget.

[barnakiel]

A bent one can be heated up and brought back to nearly original shape. A cracked one could possibly get 'welded' by a pro metal shop.


For new ones, try browsing TOPLICHT online catalog. You can send them an email too. They respond.


https://www.toplicht.de/


b.

[barnakiel]

I did some toplicht search for you.


Is this something similar:


https://www.toplicht.de/en/shop/wind...bronze-spartan


barnakiel

[tenchiki]

You might check out Port Townsend Foundry. They have a huge number of old patterns from defunct manufacturers. Pattern-making is one of the more expensive parts of custom castings.


Also, check out some of the used marine hardware locations, they frequently have old parts like that. I don't know where you are located. I'm only familiar with Blue Pelican in Alameda, CA. I expect that other members could give recommendations depending on where you are.

[tkeithlu]

Bronze has an interesting property that might help you. If you tap it, not pound on it, repeatedly and with patience, it gradually changes shape. I learned that from seeing firefighters reshape threaded hose connections that had been run over by fire engines by sitting and tapping them until they were round again. A small ball peen hammer and some patience was all that was needed. They made egged fittings round to the point of no binding in the threads.

If you've got one with a simple bend in it, give it a try - you might be able to salvage it.

[BlueReliant]

Thanks all for the suggestions.
Unfortunately those spartan stands aren’t quite what I’m after.
I will certainly try Port Townsend foundry and see if they have produced anything similar. Otherwise, failing that, there is still the hope they can be worked and welded back into life!

I’m also still holding out hope that there might be another Rhodes Reliant or Cheoy Lee offshore 40 owner out there who has similarly replaced their own or who is no longer in need of them! Wishful perhaps...

[tkeithlu]

Brazed, not welded. It's like soldering, only with a brass or bronze rod, flux, and a torch. It's not difficult to learn, and a good welder usually can braze as well.