Anchor Windlass queries

[rajjes]

Hi, my new to me boat has a Lofrans Kobra Windlass which seems to work fine (touching wood with crossed fingers) when using the foot switches or up/down switch in cockpit.

Looking at the manual it seems I should be able to haul the anchor using the windlass manually by inserting the handle in a hole in the drum side and ratcheting to and fro. However when I tried this I could only move the handle one way and it does not 'ratchet back'. This is my first boat with a windlass, so before investigating further could you confirm that I should be able to haul up by such a ratchet mechanism?

Also, I placed new batteries in the windlass remoter control to try it out, and although the remote LED turned on there is no sign of life from the windlass using the remote. Is the sensor typically fitted on the windlass itself? Any ideas how I can troubleshoot if possible?

Regards,

Duncan

 

[Tranona]

The pawls on the ratchet are probably stuck through lack of use. Need cleaning and regreasing. Not sure how your wireless remote is wired, but mine operates through the control box with the wireless black box under the chart table.

 

[prv]

It would be worth dismantling, cleaning (with purple Scotchbrite and some kind of gentle solvent, WD40 would do) and re-greasing the windlass. They live in a harsh environment and tend to get neglected, with the result that parts get stuck. The one on Ariam had the clutch cones seriously stuck to the gypsy, so there was no way of dropping the anchor properly, only slowly powering it down. It works much better now I've taken a few hours to service it. I'm not familiar with your model but the manual should tell you how it comes apart.

The remote receiver is likely to be a separate box wired to the relay box near the windlass below decks. Follow the power cables to find it if you don't know where it is. It is of course possible that the previous owner bought the remote kit and put it on board, but never fitted it, and the receiver is actually in a box in a locker somewhere! I say this because if someone were to take over Ariam right now they would find exactly that situation

Pete

 

[rajjes]

Thanks, will dismantle and service as suggested.

On a related note, is it worth changing the windlass gear oil? Does it need changing frequently?

Duncan

 

[Tranona]

Don't think you will have to get into the gearbox if it is like my Lofrans. Not aware of any need to change the oil. As Pete says the usual problem is the cones and pawls sticking.

 

[Aja]

I don't think that the Kobra has any ratchet mechanism. If I read the instructions right you have to insert the metal pole into a hole and pull back. Lock the winch then move the pole to the next available hole and repeat. When they say 'manual' they mean manual. Sorry.

Donald

 

[Talulah]

I don't think that the Kobra has any ratchet mechanism. If I read the instructions right you have to insert the metal pole into a hole and pull back. Lock the winch then move the pole to the next available hole and repeat. When they say 'manual' they mean manual. Sorry.
Donald

I have a Lofrans Kobra and can confirm it has a ratchet. As previously mentioned, dismantle, clean, regrease - before it's too late.

 

[prv]

I don't think that the Kobra has any ratchet mechanism. If I read the instructions right you have to insert the metal pole into a hole and pull back. Lock the winch then move the pole to the next available hole and repeat. When they say 'manual' they mean manual. Sorry.

Have a look at the exploded diagram on page 29. Looks like a ratchet mechanism on the manual hoisting disk to me.

Pete

 

[Norman_E]

Thanks, will dismantle and service as suggested.

On a related note, is it worth changing the windlass gear oil? Does it need changing frequently?

Duncan

It does not need doing frequently, but you should check the oil. If it looks dirty or contains metal fragments, change it. On my Lofrans Tigress, which had a hard previous life, there was some evidence of metal fragments in the oil. A wash out and new oil was the cure.

 

[rajjes]

Thanks to all for your feedback.
Regards,
Duncan