The winch has a friction brake. It stops the winch from free wheeling and dropping the keel too fast. When I bought mine it was kind of stuck. You CANNOT oil it. It can be cleaned. If you hit it with your hand in a jerking motion you can get it moving and then it will lower if it is still operationa...

I have a very reliable 10hp Johnson on my Mac. I also have an electric trolling motor. The tolling motor will push me out into the big part of the lake and back with no problem. It will even fight a fair wind. It is quiet and does not smoke. The tolling motor is 45# thrust and moves the boat nicely....

I bought my Macgregor 25 in September of 2010. I have enjoyed reading about your modifications and your adventures.
I had to say thanks for your posts and wish you the best in your continuing adventures.