Winch replacement

[JustStartin]

Has anyone replaced a winch on an older ComPac?  I'm in the process of replacing a busted winch with a new Lewmar 6 on my CP-19.  I've noticed that the original winch was glued down onto the fiberglass.

My question is how do I remove the old winch and adhesive without damaging the fiberglass?

Thanks for any and all replies!

[Craig Weis]

I would think that the old winch was glued down with 3-M 5200 as is every thing else where a bolt or screw shoots through the hull or deck into the re-inforced glass. Re-inforced with plywood glassed into place. It is very strong.

To answer your question, USE HEAT FROM A PAINT STRIPPING GUN or a VERY GOOD [hot] HAIR DRYER. 

When I unscrewed my rudder mount from the transom the 1/4 bolts were bedded in 3-M 5200 and I could not pry, bang, pull or in any fashion get that mount to move till I heated the area of 3-M 5200 to a point where the mount just about fell off. No harm to the glass. But it was too hot to touch and that starts at 160 deg F. So I'd say heat. Best guess.

I suppose the new winch will be drilled, screwed and glued down with 3-M 5200. The 5200 is S-L-O-W setting and cures in three days. I like that. A ss screw and washer and  lock nut ought to be plenty. Spread the weight [strain] out by using large automotive fender washers then the normal washer for the nut used and fit the screw dia nicely.

Are you sure it's glued down and not glued and screwed? Sounds funny to me. 
Thanks 'Just Startin' for you 22 posts so far. skip.

[JustStartin]

Hey Skip,

Yeah, it's glued and screwed.  I'm guessing this is going to be quite a job!  I'll be using the screws and the 5200 for the new winch.  I'm wondering though if there's a point where the heat can affect the glass.  Do I need to take that into consideration or just go for it?

thanks.