Giving Old Winches New Grip

A strip of 3M Safety‑Walk tape on the drum gave these tired Barient winches fresh bite without the cost of new self‑tailers.

By
Bert Vermeer
-
0
An old winch with a strip of 3M Safety-Walk tape applied for extra grip. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)
An old winch with a strip of 3M Safety-Walk tape applied for extra grip. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)

On Natasha, our 1978 Islander Bahama 30, the Barient two speed sheet winches were showing their age—a dull chrome surface and the drum were worn quite smooth. It was getting difficult to get a good grip on the genoa sheet when the winds picked up. I decided to re-chrome them—the process included etching the drum to provide the necessary grip. However, the etching turned out too fine and didn’t really solve the line-slip problem.

To continue reading this article or issue you must be a paid member.
JOIN NOW

Join Practical Sailor

Get full access to Practical-Sailor.com – more than 4,000 articles – for just $34.
Join today and save 42% off our full price.
Already a member?
| Forgot your password? | Activate Web Access
Bert Vermeer
As a coastal cruise (and occasional racer & ocean crosser), Bert Vermeer has sailed the coast of British Columbia for over 40 years. With his wife Carey & daughter Nicky (and eventually granddaughter Natasha) in tow, Bert has gained an appreciation for the fabulous cruising grounds of the Canadian west coast. Based on his experience as a hands-on boater, he established a marine based business after completing his police career. Bert stays busy during the winter months dabbling in You Tube sailing videos and writing tales of summer adventures, awaiting blue skies and warm winds.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR