How to Test Winch Brakes

When you need your boat's winch to work, you'll also need its brake to work. Your boat's winch won't last long if you depend on its hydraulic or electric motor to hold the strain the anchor, anchor chain and anchor line place on it. When you've lowered the anchor and let out enough line, you need to secure the winch drum, using the winch brake instead of the motor to take the strain. Ensuring the winch brake works properly and well takes less time than scrubbing a deck.

Instructions

    • 1

      Turn on the winch motor. Ensure the anchor and anchor chain are secured in place by a shackle, chain binder, devil's claw, pelican hook or other mechanical means.

    • 2

      Release the winch brake. Operate the winch in the "Down" or "Lower" mode to play out about 10 feet of anchor line onto the deck. Move the winch to "Neutral."

    • 3

      Set the winch brake. Shift the anchor motor to the "Up" or "Raise" mode. Watch the anchor line to determine if it moves when power is applied to the winch. If it does not, the winch brake is in good working order. If the winch takes up the anchor line, even slowly, the winch brake requires service or replacement.