Mike Korpics, Orland Park, IL
Q: I am upgrading my Lewmar manual winches to electric power and would like to cover the motors. However, Lewmar does not sell covers. Crowleys, in Chicago, can build teak covers, but I was wondering if you know of a company that sells or could make plastic covers for the winch motors. It seems like a perfect job for a 3-D plastic printer.
Don Casey Replies
A:I don’t know of anyone offering off-the-shelf covers for winch motors. If the manufacturer does not see sufficient demand to offer one, it seems likely your only option will be to have them custom made—at some expense. However, because these particular motors are under the deck, with the measurements in hand and a bit of imagination, you should be able to find a storage box or other container you can modify to serve as an adequate, and perhaps even perfect cover. I envision a snap lid fastened to the underside of the deck above the motor, allowing for easy access. This seems more economical and feasible than designing something for a 3-D printer. Whatever you do, be sure the cover has a drain to avoid damaging water accumulation.
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