Paul i leave mine on the winch to hold me at anchor while fishing and lower anchor with winch as well but in a strong current the free wheel would be the way or gloves and unhitch it from the winch
Nige
On my lewmar I have to use a special spanner for free running,didn't think I'd like the winch but getting use to it and its not to slow even when retrieving in 200ft of water
Johnny on my last boat I used/mounted a small bow roller to the top of the gunnel which just kept it away from the side of the hull,worked a treat
Nige