Keep your Lewmar winch operating smoothly and reliably with the Standard Small Pawls & Springs Kit. These genuine replacement parts are essential for maintaining the precise ratcheting action in your marine winch, ensuring it grips rope securely during halyard or sheet handling. Over time, pawls and springs can wear from constant use in harsh saltwater environments, leading to slippage or inconsistent performance. Replacing them restores factory-fresh efficiency, preventing frustrating jams or safety issues on deck.

Designed specifically for Lewmar's standard winch series, this kit provides everything needed for a quick refresh. Boaters and riggers trust these components for their durability and perfect fit—no modifications required. Whether you're prepping for a long offshore passage or routine seasonal maintenance, investing in quality spares like these keeps downtime minimal and your gear battle-ready.

Key Features and Benefits

These small pawls and springs stand out for their robust construction. Crafted from high-grade stainless steel, they resist corrosion from UV exposure, salt spray, and freshwater rinsing. The pawls deliver a positive lock into the winch drum's ratchet ring, while the springs maintain consistent tension for effortless engagement and release.

• Precision Engineering: Exact OEM specifications ensure seamless integration with your existing winch setup.
• Long-Lasting Performance: Engineered to withstand thousands of cycles, extending the life of your winch.
• Easy Maintenance: Simple drop-in replacement minimizes service time, even in tight cockpit spaces.
• Safety First: Worn pawls can fail under load—fresh ones provide dependable holding power for peace of mind.

What's Included in the Kit

This thoughtfully assembled kit covers multiple winches or provides spares for future needs:

• 12 x Standard Pawl Springs (small)—plenty for complete rebuilds or backups.
• 6 x Standard Pawls (small)—matched sets for balanced operation.

Each piece arrives in protective packaging, ready for immediate use. No extras or fillers—just the reliable parts you need.

Signs It's Time for Replacement

Spotting wear early can save your sail from a mid-race tangle. Listen for unusual clicking, feel for loose ratcheting, or inspect visually for bent, pitted, or flattened pawls. Springs that lose bounce fail to keep pawls seated, causing skips. During annual checks, compare against new ones: crisp edges and lively spring action signal good health. Proactive swaps during haul-outs keep surprises at bay.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Swapping these parts is straightforward for any experienced sailor. Tools needed: standard winch handle, pliers, and a rag for grip.

1. Disassemble: Remove the winch drum by unscrewing the collet nut (left-hand thread—turn clockwise to loosen). Lift off the feeder arm and drum to access the pawl pockets.
2. Remove Old Parts: Gently pry out worn pawls and springs with needle-nose pliers. Clean the pockets thoroughly to remove grit.
3. Install New Springs: Drop a fresh spring into each pocket, ensuring it seats fully.
4. Fit Pawls: Slide pawls over springs, orienting the engaging tooth toward the ratchet ring. They should pivot freely but snap back firmly.
5. Reassemble: Reinstall drum, feeder, and collet. Grease sparingly with winch service kit lube. Test with light loads before full use.

Pro tip: Service one winch at a time to avoid mix-ups. Full job takes under 30 minutes per unit.

Compatibility with Lewmar Winches

Perfect for Lewmar's compact Standard and Ocean winch models featuring small pawl systems, typically sizes 6 through 16. Confirm fit by checking your winch baseplate stamping or drum diameter. These aren't for larger IP or EVO series—always match small pawl dimensions. Universally praised by cruising sailors for reviving older setups without full winch replacement.

Maintenance Tips for Peak Performance

Extend part life with smart habits: Rinse winches post-sail, apply light waterproof grease annually, and avoid overtightening cleats that stress pawls. Store spares in a dry locker to fend off rust. Pair with Lewmar's full service kits for comprehensive care, keeping your hardware humming season after season.

Frequently Asked Questions