Chain jamming windlass

[dial-a-monkey]

We just replaced half of our anchor chain with the same specification of chain as we have so far been using without any problems. (Quick vertical Antares v1000w multifit gypsy marked "10mm" & "3/8" = DIN 677, G43 3/8, no naval pipe)

Unfortunately the new half jams going into the gypsy only when being feed out. So DOWN jams UP is no problem.

The new chain measures almost the same with the exception of the welds which are 0.75 -1.2 mm larger.

Both old and new sections go onto the gypsy twisted (but mostly sort themselves out) often the new chain seems? more twisted and results in the dreaded "hockle" jam.

The gypsy is a multifit so takes a wide range of chains I.e DIN 677 and imperial G4 for instance, so from 10/14/28mm to 9.98/16/31mm. The old chain is 10/15/30 so is 'in range' and as I said never jammed.

I tried to stack the new chain further away from the windlass throat, to give it more time to sort itself out, this seems to improve things a little bit.

I don't see how the chain could stay twisted but if anyone has ideas? I thought about dropping it in deep water to see if it is twisted?

Also I wonder if it might just come right after using it for a bit?

The min fall suggested for my windlass is 40cm which we just make, the chain is stacked in the anchor locker to keep this fall.

Wondering if the gypsy is worn to fit the old chain and now even a slightly change results in "hockles"

Any thoughts? or experience anyone can share? all input or even musings would be appreciated!

 

[Resolution]

Re the twists: if you are going to try letting it all hang out in deep water, do first check that your windlass is powerful enough to hoist it back on board!
And have a plan B in case the windlass overheats and goes on strike.
I wish I had!!

 

[dial-a-monkey]

Good point!!!

 

[sarabande]

or you could keep hold of the middle point, and let both ends over the side to unravel ? And bring in half at a time ?

 

[RichardS]

Re the twists: if you are going to try letting it all hang out in deep water, do first check that your windlass is powerful enough to hoist it back on board!
And have a plan B in case the windlass overheats and goes on strike.
I wish I had!!

We also have a Quick 1000W windlass with 100m of 10mm chain and a 25kg anchor and have let the whole lot out, although not in 100m of water, and it pulls it in without any noticeable change in revs so you should be fine depending how much chain you've actually got.

Richard

 

[RichardS]

Re the twists: if you are going to try letting it all hang out in deep water, do first check that your windlass is powerful enough to hoist it back on board!
And have a plan B in case the windlass overheats and goes on strike.
I wish I had!!

We also have a Quick 1000W windlass with 100m of 10mm chain and a 25kg anchor and have let the whole lot out, although not in 100m of water, and it pulls it in without any noticeable change in revs so you should be fine depending how much chain you've actually got.

Richard

 

[Monique]

Happens a lot with new chain. The extra bits of "galvanization" on the chain will cause the problem.

Find a shallow mooring and let out all your chain a number of times. Bet the problem will be gone upon the fourth try.

GL

 

[noelex]

There are two types of metric 10mm chain. These are usually called Din 766 and ISO 4565. The pitch is different (28mm and 30mm).

Many gypsies that will take imperial 3/8 inch chain will also take metric 10 mm DIN 766 chain. This is how I would read the the specifications for your gypsy as suitable for 3/8 or for 10mm DIN 766 chain. If the specifications don't specifically mention 10mm ISO chain it is probably not suitable.

Your old and new chain with a pitch of 30mm is 10mm ISO.

You have obviously been using your old 10mm ISO chain without problems, but my guess is that your gypsy was not designed for this chain. Small variations in how the chain is produced have caused the new ISO chain to cause difficulties.

I think you need to change to 10mm DIN chain and your problems will go away. Take off your gypsy and lay on some 10mm DIN and then some 10mm ISO chain. My guess is that you will find the 10mm DIN chain fits better.

The Din 677 on your specifications I think it is misprint and it will actually mean DIN 766. This is indicating to the type of 10mm chain that is suitable.

Note: You would think if the gypsy was OK with imperial 3/8 inch chain with a pitch of 31mm then 10mm ISO chain with a pitch of 30 would be fine, but 10mm ISO chain has a smaller width than 3/8 chain. This causes it to fit closer to centre of the gypsy so the links of the 10mm ISO chain are too long.

Some gypsies are very forgiving, others are quite specific. You need to be very careful with the two types of 10mm chain. Often only type will work.
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