I learned a good lesson a few days ago when our electric windless (Quick Drum type) stopped working as we were trying to weigh anchor. Turns out the breaker near the battery bank had gone bad. We were left needing up manually pull up the anchor and had never tried to do it and frankly did not know how. Of course I could just put some gloves on and pull up the anchor by hand, but what's this winch handle for? Must be for manual operation of the windless! Pulled out the Quick manual and followed the instructions by the letter. It still didn't work! Just kept letting line out and could pull in. Called Beneteau and got transferred to the Quick rep who told us that all Beneteau and Jenneau boats with Quick electric windlesses have a lock screw to prevent manual operation. The rep said that they have to drill a hole and add a bolt that block the use of the windless manually; it prevents the ratchet lever from laying against the teeth. Didn't know why and Beneteau doesnt' know why, but that's how it is. AND it is not documented anywhere! Once you remove the bolt, the instruction in the manual are correct. Basically, you just flip that little rubber covered switch on the port side, which locks in that ratchet lever. Use the winch handle to loosen the clutch (the center hole), put the winch handle in the outside hole making sure to push in the little pin in, and start cranking. Works surprisingly well and is a great workout! Thought I'd share just in case we weren't the only ones that didn't know about the lock bolt.
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