Frequently Asked Questions
How do I service a winch?
Servicing our winches is very easy and very little is needed to do it. The attached manual will take you through step by step to make sure your winches are running smoothly and ready for the season.
Related files
winch service manual b2304 iss6.pdf
ELS box wiring upgrade
Our older ELS boxes have now been changed and to replace one will take a little change of wiring. The below document will show you how this can be quickly achieved and all the required parts needed.
Related files
ELS wiring upgrade.pdf
Deck Switch Identification
Can a manual winch be converted to a powered winch?
Yes, Lewmar winches size 40 to 65 can be updated to Electrics. Please click here to see details.
Can i upgrade my standard winch to a self tailing.
Sorry to say it would not be cost effective to you to try and convert a std winch into a selftailing winch , as you would have to change approx. 90% of the parts that include drum, centre stem, main spindle, some gear stacks etc + all crowns.
What winch handle is better, a plain or locking handle?
This depends upon how you use it. For racing or cruising locking handles are more secure and less likely to be knocked out of the winch and lost overboard. Plain handles are easy to insert and release and some racing crews prefer them as they are quicker to insert/remove.
Do all winches have the same size handle sockets?
Yes, after 1972 all winches and handles have the international standard sockets.
How do Lewmar winches grip different line diameters?
Lewmar's self-tailing jaws incorporate our 'Wavespring' solution. This is where the jaws are held together by spring tension which self-adjusts to grip the size of the rope used.
How many speeds does the electric winch have?
One speed electric drives provides adequate power and speed for winches up to Size 64. Size 66 and above have two speed electric drives. Line speed varies according to load i.e. heavy load = slow line speed.
What makes the Lewmar Ocean winch easier to service than any of the competition?
A screw off top cap means that no tools are required to strip the winch. All Lewmar Ocean manual winches can be serviced above deck without having to unbolt the winch.
What carries the full load on a Lewmar winch?
How is the size/number system worked out?
The winch size refers to the power ratio i.e. a Size 40 winch has a 40.2 : 1 power ratio. This means if you put 25kg/55lb of effort on the handle, the pull generated will be approximately 1005kg/2211lbs.
What is the benefit of choosing a self-tailing winch?
Self-tailing winches enable one crew member to easily trim or raise sails. Self-tailing also removes the need to hold the sheet whilst winding the handle.
What gives the Lewmar winches that distinctive 'clicking' sound?
This sound is made by the spring loaded pawls engaging the drive tracks.
