Replacing cable and winch on P19

Posted By: keith Sisterson
Date: 11/16/08 12:23p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Replacing Keel Raising Cable (John Stacey)

I replaced the factory ss cable with a hi-tech line. I have used two types (not that I had a problem the first time, I just decided to try another line and keep the first for spare). The old 7x19 ss started to get "meat hooks" and is a pain to work with. I am currently using 5/32" T-100 Technora Spectra double braid. This is stronger than the ss, also slightly thicker (the ss was 1/8". Threading the braided line is simple, though tying off the end at the winch is tricky just because of the restricted space and visibility. At the daggerboard end I just use an anchor bend and extra half-hitch around the bolt. Replacing the winch required patience and the right sized tools to fit into the limited space. When I started the new winch looked way too big to go in and I was not convinced I could get the old (rather rusty) one out. I had to cut the axis near the handle because the bolt was so rusty I could not remove it. But after taking the bolts out it made it out through the hatch opening. Getting the bolts into the new one was a bit trickier, but only required patience and care. So before you start make sure you have the right wrenches that fit into the limited space around the winch and around the nuts holding it. Good luck and good patience!