Anchor winch clutch not running freely to release anchor?

[DangerousPirate]

This boat came with an anchor winch, and the few times I used one, I just had to unscrew the clutch and then the chain would run out freely. Now on my new boat, that's not the case somehow. It had sat in a boatyard for quite a while, and it doesn't look like the anchor was deployed in an even longer time. Maybe something is stuck? Although the clutch just spins off quite freely and without hassle.

At the moment, you have to free the chain from the winch and run it manually, and then get it back on. I don't think that's how it's intended.

In the picture you can see how far I unscrewed it but the chain is not running freely at all. A few mm more and the clutch just falls off.

 

[Minerva]

The three handled nut isn’t technically the clutch. The Gypsy is pushed onto a cone on the shaft by that nut, providing the friction to allow the windlass to pull the chain in. Wiggle the Gypsy free from the cone it should pop off. Then clean the surfaces up from any old accumulated gunk. Then once you reassemble it should be running sweet as.

 

[DangerousPirate]

The three handled nut isn’t technically the clutch. The Gypsy is pushed onto a cone on the shaft by that nut, providing the friction to allow the windlass to pull the chain in. Wiggle the Gypsy free from the cone it should pop off. Then clean the surfaces up from any old accumulated gunk. Then once you reassemble it should be running sweet as.

Should I lubricate with something?

Edit isn't even that dirty. Put it back ob and still not moving freely. Can only winch in. Must be using it wrong..

 

[DangerousPirate]

Same as this I I think.. Looks same and same company

 

[Minerva]

View attachment 191771

That’s your problem! The inner cone has came off with your Gypsy! Release those and clean up the mating faces.

 

[DangerousPirate]

That’s your problem! The inner cone has came off with your Gypsy! Release those and clean up the mating faces.

Hang on. Are you telling me those are two pieces? They are so tightly together you'd think it's one!




Edit: ha! Indeed! 3 pieces! They were so tightly together, I thought they're one piece.

Thanks for the quick help. It's working as intended now!

 

[Minerva]

Happy days!

 

[Neeves]

Well done Minerva!

 

[rotrax]

Hang on. Are you telling me those are two pieces? They are so tightly together you'd think it's one!

View attachment 191772


Edit: ha! Indeed! 3 pieces! They were so tightly together, I thought they're one piece.

Thanks for the quick help. It's working as intended now!

A taper is the strongest removeable joint used in engineering.

Your two tapered clutch pieces appear to be stuck.

Free them, clean and lube, all should be well.

 

[Neeves]

Whilst you are at it

Take the windlass apart and Duralac all the bolts and studs. Lubricate the moving parts (some of which you are now very familiar with). There should be a manual which will give strong advice on what to lubricate.

Windlass are amazingly robust.

Jonathan