Ronstan 20ST Orbit Winch — Product Manual

RA6201 Specifications

Winch versions V0.0–V1.0. The batch number is stamped on the base of the centre stem; remove the self-tailing arm and drum to read it.

Installation

• Required: 5 × M6 or 1/4" Grade 316 stainless fasteners (A4-70 DIN912 hex socket cylinder head recommended, torque no more than 7.1Nm), large washers or backing plate, self-locking nuts, 5mm (or 3/16") hex key, spanner, Ø6.5mm (9/32") drill, the drilling template, sealant and Tef-Gel™.
• Mount on a smooth, flat surface with a line entry angle of 3–8° from horizontal, the output drive gear aligned to the line entry as shown on the template.

1. Clean the surface and tape the drilling template in place.
2. Remove the self-tailing arm: pull back the spring-loaded release latch, rotate the arm slightly anti-clockwise and lift it clear. Remove the closing plate.
3. Pull the drum vertically off the centre stem. Place the stem on the template to check rope entry relative to the output drive gear.
4. Drill Ø6.5mm holes (M6) or 9/32" holes (1/4"). Clean away debris and clean the deck.
5. Apply sealant under the centre stem around the holes, keeping the drainage channels clear. On metal or carbon fibre, isolate the base completely from the surface.
6. Fit with large washers (or backing plate) and locking nuts below deck, Tef-Gel™ under each fastener head. Hold the fastener with a hex key and tighten the nut from below.
7. Refit the drum and the closing plate.
8. Fit the self-tailing arm so it overhangs the rope splitter, let it drop into the bayonet notches, then rotate slightly clockwise until it clicks. Position it so the rope drops clear of the winch (drum turns clockwise); it can be fitted in 8 positions.
9. Check the drum turns freely clockwise by hand and not anti-clockwise; turning the handle anti-clockwise should drive the drum clockwise.

Drilling template: print the mounting template PDF at 1:1 scale on A4 and check the printed dimensions before drilling (5 holes Ø6.50mm (9/32") on Ø85mm (3 11/32"), base plate Ø100mm (3 15/16")).

Service & Maintenance

• Rinse with fresh water after each use. Full service (dismantle, clean, lubricate) every two years; annually under racing, charter or extensive offshore use.
• Use Andersen Winch Grease (PTFE); most other greases, including some "marine grease", are not suitable. Clean old grease with white mineral spirits.
• Inspect pawls and replace springs every second year, using only genuine Ronstan or Andersen pawls and springs. Pawl & spring kit RA710052 contains 8 pawls and 16 springs.

1. Remove the self-tailing arm and drum; check the release latch and rinse the arm.
2. Inspect and rinse the self tailer.
3. With a handle in the drive shaft, hold the output drive gear, rotate the shaft slightly while pulling up to find the release position, and pull the shaft out.
4. Remove the pawls and springs from the drive shaft and from the outer edge of the centre stem.
5. Remove the ratchet gear and its bearing from the side opening of the centre stem, and the shaft bearing from the top of the stem.
6. Remove the gear axle and output drive gear (pry under the axle head plate if needed; it must sit flush in its recess on reassembly).
7. Check the top hat bearing insert in the base is in place, holes clean and lightly greased.
8. Reassemble in reverse order, holding the shaft pawls closed as the shaft goes down through the stem.

Grease only a very thin film on the pawls, and lightly brush grease on gear teeth, drive shaft and axles. Check each pawl moves smoothly and springs back; if not, replace the springs and check again. Malfunctioning pawls may release the winch load unexpectedly.

Parts List & Exploded View