Winch Handle Mishap

A forum for discussing issues relating to trailers and towing MacGregor sailboats.
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Doug W
Captain
Posts: 632
Joined: Tue Sep 02, 2008 7:08 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
Location: Prairie Home MO - Galactica - 2010 26M with Etec 60
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Re: Winch Handle Mishap

Post by Doug W »

Newell wrote:Looking at the picture Doug posted I feel sorry for M owners. Roger M. has always used incorrect geometry to set up the trailer winch but it looks like he has made conversion of the the winch to it's proper position, difficult to impossible. The winch should pull either horizontally or slightly up on the boat....
I called SuperSport Marina where I purchased Galactica and John not only replaced the out-of-warranty winch free of charge, he upgraded to a larger, heavier winch! It works much better than the factory winch. Newell's right, the winch angle on the 2010 Aluminum trailer is definitely improper and adding effort.

I have been planning on rebuilding the winch tree on my trailer this winter during mod season but after another single axle flat tire adventure in the middle of Georgia ( though my tow speeds were restrained between 55-63 mph) even my Admiral suggested that we save up for a luxury dual axle rig like that which Jim King (Konig) upgraded to this year! :) Sweet! 8) I'll still do the mod though in order to make it easier until we can afford a new trailer; plus, it'll make the aluminum trailer better for whomever I sell it to!

ImageImage

At least my bunk and roller mods worked fabulously!!! They helped me load the boat in a substantial tidal current at Sisters Creek, FLorida in one smooth shot as if I were an old salt -- under the pressure of the waiting and watchful eyes of two heavily loaded and armed border/customs agent SUV's waiting for me at the top of the ramp...but alas, that is another adventure. :o
...Doug :macm:
http://starsloop.blogspot.com
unofficial pirate-weekend name: Cap'n Long-Haired Pete, scourge of the 7 lakes
boatbitch
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Nov 11, 2010 12:26 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26M

Re: Winch Handle Mishap

Post by boatbitch »

We had a brand new boat and trailer and had simular issues. I found it hard to keep the boat on the v. The nylon strap gave up the ghost after 3 years so I replaced it with a 30' piece of good cable and put on a second pulley. I can attach the primary pully to the frame of the trailer at the winch and the second pully to the bow. Now its doubles the pulling force solving the problem. When launching and recovering in strong cross winds my pilot can use the motor in reverse to help guide the boat onto the trailer the extra length makes it an easy job to attach at the dock.
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GaryMayo
First Officer
Posts: 450
Joined: Fri Sep 30, 2011 10:29 pm
Location: Branched Oak YC Sailboat: Clipper Marine 32 fin Aft Cabin Ketch Yanmar 8 Diesel 6 Wheels 4 Hasps

Re: Winch Handle Mishap

Post by GaryMayo »

Hope You are OK and healing well!
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GaryMayo
First Officer
Posts: 450
Joined: Fri Sep 30, 2011 10:29 pm
Location: Branched Oak YC Sailboat: Clipper Marine 32 fin Aft Cabin Ketch Yanmar 8 Diesel 6 Wheels 4 Hasps

Re: Winch Handle Mishap

Post by GaryMayo »

Hardcrab wrote:I just used "Liquid Rollers" from West Marine yesterday, about $13 or so.
Thanks, in my Amazon cart!
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