Dean: The four winches I replaced were not "similar" in terms of make/size, but the job probably is. Mine was made more complicated because the winches were located near the mast where C&C had installed decorative teak decking pieces. I figured I'd just remove the teak pieces, fill the holes, reinstall the teak, etc., but nay nay. I don't know how the teak decking pieces were installed (a combination of machine bolts and something else), but it became clear that taking them off would be destructive. On the other hand, the problem with filling the old holes with epoxy while the teak pieces were in place is that epoxy would be able to escape between the deck surface and the teak deck pieces when epoxy was poured into the holes. The solution I came up with was wooden dowels. First I cleaned out the old holes by drilling them slightly larger. Then I cut dowel pieces a little longer than the hole depth (including the teak pieces), soaked them in West System, and tapped them in place from the deck (followed by teak plugs). After they set up, I trimmed the excess dowel from inside. Seems to have worked fine.
If you don't have a complicated situation like mine, I suggest just cleaning up the old holes, taping them off underneath, and filling with West System. Use the Slow hardner. Good luck! Matt C&C 42 Custom -----Original Message----- From: Dean McNeill via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Sent: Friday, March 22, 2024 8:24 PM To: Stus-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Cc: Dean McNeill <d...@deanmc.ca> Subject: Stus-List Hints on swapping winches? I'm about to finally replace my old 2 speed Barient 25 primary winches on my C&C 34, with Harken 46 Self tailing winches. Anyone have experience doing a similar swap? I fully expect I’ll need to fill old holes and drill new ones. And probably glass in aluminum or plywood backing plates. Any other hints and tips? Thanks, Dean BarraWind 1980 C&C 34 Halifax, NS Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help me pay the associated bills. Make a contribution at: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray Thanks for your help. Stu Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help me pay the associated bills. Make a contribution at: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray Thanks for your help. Stu