Old winches and new sheets

[seawolf]

Hello all,
I have replaced my old jib sheets with new 3/8 inch double braid.
The winches I have on my 1962 Columbia 29 are original, so the drums are pretty slick.
So, needless to say, I need a lot of wraps around the winch to create enough friction, especially when the wind pipes up. Also requires more force on the tailing end of the line.
Question:
Is there a way to modify the old winches, such as having the drums knurled by a machine shop, or any other method that will cause better friction on the drums without causing to much chafe on the new lines.
Ideas welcome.
Thanks.
Bob

[Ian McColgin]

Best solution would be to have a machinist put a pattern on it. Second best is there is a sort of rubbery paint like goop made for coating tool handles - lovely on your wrenches and pliars by the way - that has enough durability and has a fantastic coeficient of friction. I don't think that would work so well on winches where you may surge out, like genny sheets and peak halyards.

[Patrick_Seattle]

s/v Bella Star had their winches re-plated, here's their blog post on the topic:

http://www.svbellastar.com/2010/03/o...have-been.html

[seawolf]

Thanks for the replies and links.
I will check out the machinist solution as the drums come off so easy and it wouldn't be difficult to take them in for an estimate.
My other option is to change them out. I bought the used primary winches from a friend that were of his Catalina 32. There will be more fabrication involved and the difficulty of getting the nuts off studs that are on the winch mount that have been on the boat for 48 years.
They are located on the inside of the fiberglass combing where you can not get a grinder into.
Possibly a long cold chisel and hammer.....don't want to think about it.
Thanks and fair winds.
Bob