And winches also have gaskets that likely vary in quality if the winch is rated waterproof or not. It's the gasket that keeps the water/dirt out, correct?

So, if anyone who opened their winches can post photos of those gaskets as well as winch brand, model and if rated as waterproof or not, we might be able to compare them. Maybe folks who have non-waterproof winches might be able to convert them? And the ones who have the waterproof models might be able to ascertain whether they have a good protection or not. Makes sense?

 

It does make sense. But there's really no reason/need to waterproof a non-wp winch. They are designed to run with water in them, its important to have them well lubricated though. If you do seal them they need to breathe though; excess heat from seals can cause much more damage than some water floating around in there.

 

Not to mention once you break that seal by tearing into it you def should make sure it sealed back up good and maybe put some rtv on it

 

If your talking about me, on mine there was no seal to break