Merriman centerboard winch info?

Discussion in 'OnBoard Electronics & Controls' started by JumpingJax, Jan 5, 2014.

  1. JumpingJax
    Joined: Sep 2012
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    JumpingJax Junior Member

    Got a (large) board with pennant on a Merriman reel winch that is jammed; need info on (safely) taking the thing apart to lower the board and repair whatever is wrong with the winch.

    Any information would be greatly appreciated, as I'm out in the back of beyond and good mechanics are a long way from here.
     
  2. PAR
    Joined: Nov 2003
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    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    Merriman has been out of business for a couple of decades I think, but repairs are usually obvious, once you get them apart. They made a lot of different models and often have common, replaceable parts. Check with RigRite.com and see if they have parts for your model.

    As far as a repair or operators manual, I don't know of any, though I'll bet someone has scanned one and placed it on line by now.
     
  3. JumpingJax
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    JumpingJax Junior Member

    Been to RigRite, Google, Boat Design Forums, CruisersNet, Sailing Anarchy; still looking. RigRite has stuff on sheet winches, nothing on Centerboard winches. If Merriman were still in business, I probably wouldn't be asking here. Anybody scanned any Merriman centerboard winches?
     
  4. alan white
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    alan white Senior Member

    Try rigrite.com for parts. The problem probably only involves a pawl or a pawl spring (especially if it's been sitting). Most likely a pawl is stuck against the ratchet and is gummed up from lack of maintainance. Take it apart and clean, lube, and reassemble.
     
  5. PAR
    Joined: Nov 2003
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    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    Yep, if the lanyard hasn't bound up with a crossed or twisted layer, it's usually the pawl. The halyard winch is about the same thing as the centerboard winch, except the frame. The internal works are nearly identical. Just ID the model (395?) and replace whats worn out after a good cleaning. On the other hand a replacement isn't very costly, from Dutton-Lainson, Fulton, Shelby and the other usual suspects.
     
  6. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    They are usually the same winch as was used for an all wire halyard.
     
  7. PAR
    Joined: Nov 2003
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    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    Yep, the base or the wrap around frame was different, but the winch guts where usually the same.
     

  8. michael pierzga
    Joined: Dec 2008
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    michael pierzga Senior Member

    Not sure what your boats board detail looks like.

    you service a board winch when the tension on the cable has been relieved...out of the water, board up is normal

    If you are in the water you must figure out how to hang the board and relieve the load. A rope around the boat might work...wire dogs on the cable, tensioned with a block and tackle or turnbuckle might work.

    After the load is relieved take the entire winch off and service on the work bench. Winches are very simple pieces of equipment...a machine shop can fabricate any piece that you need.

    If the winch is a worm drive it may be that its the worm has failed...lost a thread.

    If its a brake type winch the brake pad may has stuck to both surfaces...free up the pad.

    Again, a good machine shop can fix or rebuild any worn components
     
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