Em & Nickvideo

DIY Sailboat Upgrades: Winch service & Custom Lee Cloths (for $20?!)

17 May 2026 · 18 min · 6K views · Stuart, Florida

What this video covers

A 30-year-old sailboat undergoes maintenance in a boatyard following a transmission failure caused by improperly sized throttle cables.1:25 The cables prevented the shifting lever from reaching a true neutral position, leading to long-term grinding damage.2:39 While replacing the transmission, the crew services four winches—two 30s and two 54s—using biodegradable marine degreaser, toothbrushes, and Lewmar service kits.4:31 The process involves removing hardened, year-old grease, replacing pawl springs, and re-lubricating internal components.12:40 Additionally, the crew constructs custom lee cloths for the interior settee by retrofitting blackout curtains with grommets and sewing on storage pockets for electronics and water bottles.16:12 The project costs approximately $20.17:26 After completing these repairs and verifying the throttle linkage, the crew prepares for their first solo passage without a captain.17:42 Regular winch maintenance and proper throttle cable sizing are essential to preventing premature transmission wear and ensuring reliable shifting.

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