Venture winch maintenance

[chipdance01]

does anyone know how to dis-assemble the winches on Ventures or even who makes them? I have a 1979 Venture 25 that I have owned 2 years and have never lubed the winches. considering how stiff they are, my guess is the previous owner(s) hadn't either. I'd like to do it, but I can't figure out how the damn thing comes apart. It appears there is a removable shaft that has a triangular shaped fitting that is located on the bottom, but not having the proper tool (or even anything close) I am unable to get it out. any suggestions?

[anthony]

Hi
I have the same winch on my boat, Venture 25 circa 1975.
My winches were pretty tight when I first purchased "Nanna"
and all I did was drop some oil down the shaft on the top of the winch and around the bottom of it.
Using the winch handle and turning it till it loosened up. Seems to have worked for me, but if you do find out how to take them apart let me know.
Anthony