Anchorplait / Chain / Windlass Compatability

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Stoshak

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I have a Lofrans vertical spindle windlass with a chain gypsy. The chain comes from the bow roller, round the gypsy and then through an integral stainless 'fairlead' into the anchor compartment. So the chain is effectively captive on the windlass.

I have obtained a nice length of anchorplait and would like to use it as an extension of the chain. Trouble is, I don't know if the anchorplait will be compatible with the gypsy, or whether we have to use the winch part of the device.

And if it is compatible with the gypsy, how do we ensure the rope doesn't jam in the fairlead?

Boat is 32ft and the chain is 8mm.
 
Stoshak said:
I have a Lofrans vertical spindle windlass with a chain gypsy. The chain comes from the bow roller, round the gypsy and then through an integral stainless 'fairlead' into the anchor compartment. So the chain is effectively captive on the windlass.

I have obtained a nice length of anchorplait and would like to use it as an extension of the chain. Trouble is, I don't know if the anchorplait will be compatible with the gypsy, or whether we have to use the winch part of the device.

And if it is compatible with the gypsy, how do we ensure the rope doesn't jam in the fairlead?

Boat is 32ft and the chain is 8mm.
Click to expand...

We always put the anchor plait on the winch as that is why it is there.

Peter
 
I'm afraid I haven't made myself clear.

It is not possible to disengage the chain from the windlass because of the fairlead, and the anchorplait will be spliced to the end of the chain.

So how does one change from chain mode to rope mode.
 
Sorry if I appear to be an idle time waster, but if my Manual had advised, I would not be asking the Forum.
 
Stoshak said:
Sorry if I appear to be an idle time waster, but if my Manual had advised, I would not be asking the Forum.
Click to expand...

That puts you in a distinct minority!

Re your question: I think the answer is that you'll have difficulty using anchorplait with your chain gypsy. Lofrans do offer rope/chain vertical windlasses, maybe you can retrofit a rope/chain gypsy?
 
I don't have a windlass but I was always under the impression that chain/rope gypsies could only handle 3 strand rope and that you would need a drum for anchorplait.
 
Dipper said:
I don't have a windlass but I was always under the impression that chain/rope gypsies could only handle 3 strand rope and that you would need a drum for anchorplait.
Click to expand...

Many modern rope/chain gypsies will handle 8-plait as well as 3-strand ropes. Check the windlass makers' websites.
 
Yes, but the problem is not so much with the gypsy as the fairlead which is at exit from the Gypsy. As the chain exits it turns through 90deg and falls into the locker. Not sure if the rope would do the same, bearing in mind that it would be being pushed into the fairlead.
 
Stoshak said:
Yes, but the problem is not so much with the gypsy as the fairlead which is at exit from the Gypsy. As the chain exits it turns through 90deg and falls into the locker. Not sure if the rope would do the same, bearing in mind that it would be being pushed into the fairlead.
Click to expand...

It is intended to do so with the Maxwell, although they do state three-strand rope, perhaps stiffer than anchorplait? The windlass design is pretty much identical. I use all-chain, so no experience.
 
You don't say which windlass it is.
We have a Lofrans Project 1000 which takes 8mm chain and 16mm rope. It's OK, but the splice seems to stiffen up and doesn't feed very smoothly.
 
I have an Lofrans vertcal windlass 3/8 chain spliced on to octoplait. The thing is a complete pain in the backside when you come to the end of the chain which I do frequently anchoring in Greece ( I only have 25 metres of chain). The splice will not pass thru from the anchor locker and onto the gypsy withou dismantling the cover. How anybody conceived of this abortion I dont know. Anyway get yourself plenty of chain and forget about the octoplait its a waste of time.
 
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