Anchor Windlass Problem

[Streaker1421]

Having just spent a few days away, I have developed a problem with my anchor windlass during anchoring. I was sailing alone and resetting my anchor in quite a tight little natural harbour. I wasn't paying enough attention to the gypsy and the chain jammed because it built up in one spot in the locker and prevented the chain naturally feed off the gypsy this jamming it up. Once I cleared the jam I realised it had resulted in the problem best seen in the video at the link below. The windlass mount is still solid but the motor an gypsy turn as one. Any ideas/suggestions as to how to fix would be greatly received. Otherwise I'll have to pay a professional, probably at great expense. It is a Quick Vertical windlass.

Anchor Windlass Problem

 

[RJJ]

I have a similar windlass, also from Quick.

There are four bolts, 6mm or so, that join the gypsy, through the deck, to the gearbox below. They are evenly spaced around the shaft and secured with an ordinary self-locking nut or nut/washer combo. If the bolts are intact then I can't see how the whole thing moves as you indicate.

See if you can remove the 4x nuts and drop the gearbox/motor assembly. Be warned it is quite heavy and awkward to hold upwards to the deck; also there is a "keyway" that allows the shaft to align with both gearbox and gypsy. Don't lose the keyway and don't drop the assembly so it damages the power cables! I found it helpful to lay some fenders in the anchor locker.

My guess is the 4x bolts have sheared. Should be relatively easy to replace, however they are captive in the gypsy and (as I found) the threads had seized on one of them.

 

[Streaker1421]

I have a similar windlass, also from Quick.

There are four bolts, 6mm or so, that join the gypsy, through the deck, to the gearbox below. They are evenly spaced around the shaft and secured with an ordinary self-locking nut or nut/washer combo. If the bolts are intact then I can't see how the whole thing moves as you indicate.

See if you can remove the 4x nuts and drop the gearbox/motor assembly. Be warned it is quite heavy and awkward to hold upwards to the deck; also there is a "keyway" that allows the shaft to align with both gearbox and gypsy. Don't lose the keyway and don't drop the assembly so it damages the power cables! I found it helpful to lay some fenders in the anchor locker.

My guess is the 4x bolts have sheared. Should be relatively easy to replace, however they are captive in the gypsy and (as I found) the threads had seized on one of them.

RJJ, thank you that's a very comprehensive reply. I've had a look underneath and located the four bolts. I didn't have time to investigate further today but that will be my next course of action. Thanks again.