Manual windlass handle?

[Toki]

I think I know the answer to this, just checking with the local brain trust.

My 2016 R27 doesn't have a manual handle for the windlass. I believe this is just a standard 1/2" drive ratchet, correct?

 

[Todd2]

OK, since no one else has responded yet, I went out and checked my 2017 R-27. Yes, the emergency windlass handle socket takes a 1/2" ratchet/socket extension. I might just include that in my tool kit now, since the tool provided by Lewmar does not ratchet.

Todd

 

[knotflying]

Sorry, saw this and thought others would chime in. Confirmed, yes a 1/2” ratchet handle. Also, to speed things up you can move the boat forward and slack up the rode,lift the spring tab and feed the rode down by hand until the chain weight it too much.

 

[Scottfree]

I have had to use the manual retrieval option twice and a 12 inch long ratchet is quite a chore. I now carry a 24 inch long half inch ratchet. The second time my winch failed the 24 inch ratchet made the task much easier. Both failures were due to corroded pinch connectors that were not taped or even away from the elements inside the chain locker.

 

[Todd2]

When I went to check on the size, I inserted the Lewmar non-ratcheting handle and thought, "Wow I bet it would take forever to get 100' of rode up". I thought a regular length ratchet would be a great improvement. I do carry spare windlass parts, but after reading Scottfree's post, I think I'll carry a 24" long ratchet, too. Thanks!

Todd

 

[Toki]

As always, I'm grateful to you all for the help I continuously receive here. 24" half inch ratchet is now on the shopping list.

Thanks all!