Windlass---->what's The Best?

[Trim50]

I just bought a new ROCNA anchor to go with my CQR...I then realized that my windlass needs to be upgraded to a serious cruising windlass. My present windlass was made by Balmar and is no longer being sold...for good reason.

I'm looking at the Lighthouse 1501 but would like to hear about others.

http://www.lighthouse-mfg-usa.com/

Price quote at $4456 to start!

[imagine2frolic]

I have twin Maxwell VW800 on my cat. I use a 55lb Delta on one, and a 66lb Claw, knockoff of the Bruce, on the second. The first is as old as the boat 10 years, and it doesn't miss a beat. The second is new, because I redesigned the anchoring situation.

The Delta has 150ft of 5/16 high tensil chain with 200ft of rope. This is on the older windlass. I also use the windlass to pull the boat over the anchor. A few small bumps on the button taking up slack as she goes, and soon the boat is almost passing up the retreiving speed of the windlass.

When I first got on the boat. I caught the anchor on some cable. The older windlass pulled the bows down about 8 inches before I realized it. I had to dive down, and apply a trip line to get off of the cable. So far Maxwell has been good to me.

[Trim50]

My neighbor has a Maxwell HWC system which looks quite impressive...but really large. He is never around, so I haven't had the chance to ask about the unit. I'll have to put it at the top of the to-do list.

http://www.maxwellmarine.com/gen_hwc.php?sub=features

http://www.windlass-anchor.com/mahoanwi.html

HWC220 priced @ $3022

[MMNETSEA]

The one I used on a 20 ton ketch recently was a Maxwell RC 10 - great rope/chain combo

Ken, I am not sure if this RC10 equates to a US model Maxwell Liberty 2500

Richard

[Trim50]

I guess the next question is...which windlass design is better...vertical or horizontal? My present windlass is horizontal and has all kinds of problems.

[MMNETSEA]

I also guess, Depending on what is causing the present problem and seeing if it could be cured by installing another horizontal. If it is a feed problem or is space limited in the chain locker.

Sometimes the Vertical can be better placed above the deck - while the horizontal doesn't have problems with the motor not being below, however the chain from the roller does not feed in a straight line.

Richard

[Trim50]

I have a real big problem with the chain getting bunched-up as it comes off the gypsy...about every 10 feet. I also think it is under-sized for the amount of chain that I have. However, since I can't find any documentation on the thing, it is difficult to determine.

[imagine2frolic]

I like my verticals. I can use the warping drum, and a block for all kinds of errands. Once I had to use it to pull me closer to the dock in a hurricane, so I could readjust lines, and add some more.

[MMNETSEA]

Originally Posted by Trim50

I have a real big problem with the chain getting bunched-up as it comes off the gypsy...about every 10 feet.

Ken,

Bunching as described, may indicate that the gypsy and the chain are not matched.

measuring a length of say 12ft (stretched tight) and counting the number of full links + the measurement of the partial link . Then doing the same with someone else's chain. (both chains of the same link diam) if different result is obtained this may indicate mismatch in your combo.

- another method is to count off say 120 links and measure and do the same on someone else's chain.

Whatever, it does sound like a mismatch. which if so , then if the chain is still in good nick, measure a length of length of links together with the link diam, give to the supplier of a new windlass for them to confirm the chain ok for their gypsy.

Richard

[Trim50]

It acts more like a design flaw with how the chain is stripped-off the gypsy.

There are a lot of design flaws with this POS...aluminum housing with stainless bolts, stainless shaft with aluminum drum, chrome plated bronze gypsy with 420 steel clip rings...it's a metallurgical mightmare of galvanic corrosion.

My research has turned-up the fact that Balmar did not actually build the windlass, but rather sold it undertheir name for a couple years. It was actually made by a French company Leroy-Somer

http://www.leroy-somer.com/

[MMNETSEA]

What happens when the chain is taken off the Gypsy without the stripper - ie the chain being pulled by hand onto the deck while the gypsy is powered up.

Is it possible that the gypsy is 10mm metric while the chain is 3/8" US ??

[Trim50]

Ah...yes...very likely. I'll check.