Winch Spool Cover a good idea? Anyone use this one before or have opinions on it?

[Eventhough]

I agree. I'm thinking of making my own and using UV resistant vinyl on the upper 2/3's and window screen on the bottom portion to allow any water to drain out more easily. Of course this won't work for any deep mud I be driving through but it will be fine otherwise.

That's a good design and very similar to something I have been playing around with. I looked at canvas but it wasn't as UV stable as equivalently priced vinyl was. I just haven't picked out what type of mesh to use for the bottom. Tight mesh keeps some gritty mud out but also in where as larger mesh lets more in but also more out. I was leaning towards a tight mesh.

[off-roader]

I agree on going with a tight mesh. I think if you know you're going through mud or even muddy water, you should be removing the cover and rinsing it off as soon as you can to reduce exposure of the line to dirt. I may elect to simply go with screen door material sewn into the bottom portion.