How to Fix a Sticky Winch – A Step-by-Step Maintenance Guide

Winches are one of the hardest-working pieces of hardware on your yacht. Whether you're hoisting sails, trimming sheets, or adjusting your rig, your winches take a beating.

Over time, they can become sticky, sluggish, or even seize up completely, making sailing more difficult and even dangerous.

At Peerless Marine, we help sailors in Chichester Marina keep their winches in peak condition. In this guide, we’ll show you how to fix a sticky winch with a simple maintenance routine, so your winches run smoothly and efficiently all season long.

1. Why Do Winches Get Sticky?

A winch is a complex mechanical device with pawls, springs, bearings, and gears that need regular cleaning and lubrication. If you haven’t serviced your winches in a while, here’s what might be causing the stickiness:

🚩 Common Causes of a Sticky Winch: 

- Salt and grime buildup – Salty air and dirt accumulate inside, leading to sluggish performance. 

- Old or excess grease – Thick, dirty grease attracts dust and causes parts to stick. 

- Worn or broken pawl springs – If these tiny springs fail, your winch won’t "click" and grip properly. 

- Corroded or damaged bearings and gears – Rust or wear can slow down winch movement.

Local Tip: Boats moored at Chichester Marina experience extra salt and grit exposure due to tidal currents—winches should be cleaned at least once per season to prevent buildup.

2. Tools & Supplies You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the right tools and cleaning supplies to ensure a smooth service.

🛠 Tools Required: 

- Allen keys / screwdrivers (depending on your winch model) 

- Small flathead screwdriver (for pawl removal) 

- Soft brush (old toothbrush or paintbrush) 

- Lint-free cloths / paper towels

🧴 Cleaning & Lubrication: 

- White spirit or mineral spirits (for degreasing) 

- Winch grease (light marine grease – NOT too thick) 

- Winch oil (light machine oil for pawls)

Local Tip: Avoid using general-purpose grease—it can gum up the delicate mechanisms inside your winch. Stick to marine-grade lubricants for best results.

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning & Fixing a Sticky Winch

Step 1: Disassemble the Winch

1️⃣ Remove the drum:

• Undo the top screw or circlip (depending on your winch model).

• Lift the winch drum off carefully.

2️⃣ Take out the gears and bearings:

• Lay out the pawls, springs, and gears in order to remember their placement.

• Use a soft brush to remove loose dirt.

Local Tip: Place a towel or tray under the winch to catch small parts—pawl springs are tiny and easy to lose!

Step 2: Clean All Winch Components

1️⃣ Degrease the parts:

• Soak gears and bearings in white spirit or mineral spirits to remove old grease.

• Use a soft brush to scrub off grime.

2️⃣ Wipe everything down:

• Dry all parts with a lint-free cloth before reassembling.

Local Tip: Avoid using too much solvent on plastic parts or pawls—it can weaken them over time.

Step 3: Lubricate the Winch Correctly

1️⃣ Apply light oil to the pawls and springs:

• Use only a drop of winch oil—too much can make the pawls stick.

• DO NOT use grease on pawls—they need to click freely.

2️⃣ Grease the gears and bearings:

• Apply a thin layer of marine grease to moving parts.

• Avoid over-greasing—excess grease attracts dirt and slows the winch down.

Local Tip: If you race in Chichester Harbour, use a lighter grease to keep your winches fast and responsive.

Step 4: Reassemble & Test

1️⃣ Put the gears and bearings back in place. 

2️⃣ Reinstall the drum and secure the top screw. 

3️⃣ Turn the winch handle by hand—it should move freely and click properly.

Local Tip: If your winch still feels sluggish after servicing, check for worn-out parts—Peerless Marine can supply and install replacement bearings, pawls, and springs.

4. How Often Should You Service Your Winches?

For smooth sailing, follow this maintenance schedule:

✔ Every 3-6 months – Quick clean and re-lubrication, especially if you sail regularly. 

✔ Once per season – Full disassembly and service. 

✔ Before long passages – Essential for offshore sailing.

Local Tip: The salty, tidal waters around Chichester Marina mean more frequent winch servicing is needed compared to freshwater locations.

5. When to Call in the Experts

If your winches: 

• Still feel sticky after servicing 

• Have visible rust or corrosion 

• Make grinding or slipping noises

It’s time to get professional help.

At Peerless Marine, we offer: 

✔ Full winch servicing & repairs at Chichester Marina 

✔ Replacement parts for all major winch brands 

✔ Upgrades for performance sailing & racing

Final Thoughts – Keep Your Winches Running Smoothly with Peerless Marine

Regular winch maintenance ensures: 

✔ Smooth, reliable performance when hoisting or trimming sails. 

✔ Longer lifespan for your winch components. 

✔ Safer, more enjoyable sailing in Chichester Harbour.

Need a professional winch service? Contact Peerless Marine for expert maintenance at Chichester Marina today!