Looked everywhere for a small canvas protective cover that would fit a small hand winch with a gap for the winch handle for my mm0cug antenna mast only place I found one online was from a place that supplies boat owners with an appropriate price tag
Plenty of covers for the electric winch types but nothing for manual winches .

Poss not really a major issue for manual winches as long as blessing etc are well oiled ?

Give it blast of 3M "Chain Guard" spray on coating protective and lubricating grease, used by motorcyclists and cyclists, for lubricating and protecting chain drives, it dries semi cured and a bit semi stodgy to the touch, sticks like shit to a blanket, and does not feel slimy greasy to the touch, nor is it easy to wash or wipe off, and it doesn't come off with rotation either, and will certainly keep the rain and rust at bay!
When I had my tower up many years ago now, the winch mechanism, except the grab with your hand handle of course! , and the wire rope was copiously sprayed with it, it lasted the span of time I used it with the infrequent top up now and then until it got sold off some years later, and the mechanism never had cover on it.
It sprays on initially quite thin and watery and thus penetrates deeply, then slowly cures to its thicker stodgy protective nature, making sure all moving parts are well coated and lubricated.

How much was the one you found?

Fair point, if a cover is your "bag" so to speak, but I bet it isn't as cheap as a £6 or less spray can of 3M chain lube!
Originally marketed as "Chain Guard".
And I am overestimating on the price quite possibly, not looked lately, and just taking our higher cost of living into account, back in my day it was £3 for a decent sized spray can full!

He doesn't strike me strike as the type of guy you'd want to let loose near a friction braked hand winch with a can of lubricant

Not if he's currently using copious amounts of thin penetrating oil!
With those types of mechanical winch it certainly pays to mask off and avoid any lubricant getting on the lower off ratchet disengaged friction surfaces!

Sorry for delay guys. Thanks for the info to be honest can’t find the link to the original site selling such an item but this was for one but in the USA.

Yep suitably sprayed but would have just liked to have had a cover of them. If anyone finds anything at a true Scotsman type price !! Then please let me know will save me using an old carrier bag instead !!

https://www.overtons.com/overtons-winch ... 20450.html

Regarding £6 protective covers can beat that but unfortunately only for ones designed for powered winches !!

https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale- ... waterproof

my Fulton 2500 winch has an upside-down bucket protecting it.

minimal cost, Scotsman friendly.

Brillant !!