Winch maintenance has gotten complicated with all the conflicting advice flying around. As someone who’s maintained winches on racing boats and cruisers for decades, I learned everything there is to know about keeping them reliable. Today, I will share it all with you.
Start by removing the drum. Most winches have a retaining ring on top—lift it carefully and the drum comes right off. Don’t force anything. If it’s stuck, there’s usually corrosion you need to deal with first.
Clean all parts thoroughly with a degreaser and a soft brush. Pay close attention to the pawls and springs inside. That’s where dirt and old grease accumulate and cause problems. I use an old toothbrush for getting into tight spots.
Inspect the pawls carefully for wear. They should click firmly when engaged. Any hesitation or weak clicking means trouble. Replace worn or damaged pawls immediately—this is not something to postpone.
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Apply a light coat of winch grease to the bearings. Use the manufacturer’s recommended lubricant. Don’t substitute with general marine grease—winch grease is specifically formulated for the high loads these components handle.
Reassemble carefully, making sure all pawls are seated correctly in their slots. Test the winch under load before you head out. A winch failure at sea is dangerous and completely preventable.
That’s what makes proper winch maintenance endearing to us sailors—it’s straightforward work that directly translates to reliability when you need it most. Do this twice a season and your winches will serve you well for years.
