SJ23 Tech Tip J07, (Updated 2020-07-25) Bob Schimmel

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Winch Handle Holder- Clean, Prevent Handle Snag.

Most of us have a winch handle holder mounted somewhere in the cockpit so as not to loose a handle overboard.  They are designed to hold a winch handle in a convenient spot.  Problem is, they collect bits of plant debris that are difficult to remove from the bottom unless you store your boat under a roof.  Even then its going to collect some stuff you don't want down there plugging the drain hole.  So how do you remove it, easily?

CLEAN - Simple, float it out.  Fill it with water (pail, hose, etc), stir the debris with a chop stick so it rises to the surface and flows out.  At least the cockpit seats are easy to clean with the same bucket.  By the way, introduce your thumb to the drain hole!

PREVENT HANDLE SNAG - Panache's winch handle holder was mounted against the cabin bulkhead, port side.  It was also a  convenient place to clip my keys so I didn't leave them in the cabin when closing the boat.  However, the mainsheet on Panache had a nasty habit of snagging the winch handle since it stuck out a wee bit due to the sloping side of the top of the vinyl holder.  Its annoying to say the least and expensive if the sheet should snag the handle to flip it overboard.  I've caught it a couple of times in mid flight.  So, the sloped side of the winch holder was cut with a slight curve matching the handle.  The handle now rests flat against the bulkhead, solving the problem.  Why I never thought of this a zillion years ago I'll never know!
 

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