In a race this weekend, we were sailing closehauled in 10-15 with gusts up to 20 when the core flange inside our Arco 6 shattered leading to a classic WTF moment. Fortunately the boat was fine; just the winch's internal flange was broken. It turns out the prior owner had remounted the winch without 1 of the 4 mounting bolts, thus leading to undue forces on the core flange (and of course the missing bolt was on the side that would experience the most upward torque). Besides the DNF we earned (these boats do not point well without a flowing foresail), we now need to find a new winch. By chance, is there anyone out there with an extra Arco 6 or similar winch sitting in your garage that you would sell me?
Geoff
Geoff, If you dont find one, you could buy a Lewmar 6 or 7 depending on which you need that I think have the same bolt pattern. That style of winch is cheaper than others, but i think still about 100 bucks maybe......
I would check defender if no one has something to help you.
Mac