Chain jumping (Tigress Windlass)

[jfkal]

Due to space constraints the chain angle is a touch too shallow causing the chain to jump occasionally on the way down (rapid anchor deployment ;-) ) and also more often on the way up (fast anchor re-deployment :-( ).
Any good ideas on how to mitigate the problem?
I was thinking of making a cover plate over the gypsy to prevent the chain from jumping off
or design something like a chain tensioner (bow roller, spring etc to pull the chain down a little giving it a bit more grip around the gypsy.
Any better ideas or any concerns with my two ideas?

Many thanks

 

[TQA]

Use the roller idea, safer than the plate which might give you a jam IMHO.

 

[Gypsy]

Are you sure the chain is really correct for the gypsy (or vice-versa)? I have a Tigres on my Bav44 and the angle around the gypsy is more like 110deg than 90. It used to jump and I considered the angle and experimented with my shoe to reduce the angle. It gave inconsistent improvement on the way up. I then took the gypsy to a chandlers and tried it on various chains to find that 3/8 chain fitted perfectly but I have 10mm on the boat. When I looked closer at the gypsy I saw it had 3/8 embossed on the side. Doh! I was able to buy a 10mm gypsy and it has been perfect ever since without me having to use special calibrated chain.

You may find you have a similar problem.

 

[[2574]]

I had the same problem as gypsy above, you need a perfect match of calibrated chain with correctly sized gypsy.

 

[jfkal]

Chain

I had the same problem as gypsy above, you need a perfect match of calibrated chain with correctly sized gypsy.

I was hoping for that as well. But the gypsy is correct with 8mm for 8mm chain. Need to measure the angle again but i might well be above your 110 deg :-(

 

[Billjratt]

I had this problem on the last boat - Bounce in the stretch between the stemhead and the windlass (an SL 519) was damped by slipping it under a sheave added to the stainless samson-post but it did grunt a bit on a heavy lift.
I also added a strip of SS over the gipsy ( a bit like a bike mudguard) which helped a lot.
I was using uncalibrated chain - in fact two different sizes, depending on which anchor was down, so it is good practice to have matched chain, but not mandatory.
The problem was exascerbated if the chain came up twisted, so a good swivel fitting helped.
There is a pocket in the cover to keep a pair of heavy gloves for use while "guiding".
We now have matched chain and gipsy which is totally hands-free from the wheelhouse, so if you've got the cash, there is a solution as previous posters have pointed out.

 

[jfkal]

Thanks

I had this problem on the last boat - Bounce in the stretch between the stemhead and the windlass (an SL 519) was damped by slipping it under a sheave added to the stainless samson-post but it did grunt a bit on a heavy lift.
I also added a strip of SS over the gipsy ( a bit like a bike mudguard) which helped a lot.
I was using uncalibrated chain - in fact two different sizes, depending on which anchor was down, so it is good practice to have matched chain, but not mandatory.
The problem was exascerbated if the chain came up twisted, so a good swivel fitting helped.
There is a pocket in the cover to keep a pair of heavy gloves for use while "guiding".
We now have matched chain and gipsy which is totally hands-free from the wheelhouse, so if you've got the cash, there is a solution as previous posters have pointed out.

Great thanks. I think I will go that route then as well starting with the strip over the gypse first.

 

[nigelmercier]

Use the roller idea, safer than the plate which might give you a jam IMHO.

+1

Mine often jumps and jams when being raised, the solution is to knock down the cone of chain in the locker.

 

[eagleswing]

if you have the install manual for your Tigress, i'd go over all of the dimensions and spacings VERY carefully to make sure that your install is correct. if your dimensions match, then suspect a chain not to recommended spec. if those 2 things work out, then contact Lofrans. their usa dealer is IMTRA and the imtra customer suppport people are great.

i have the lofrans tigress. mine doesnt do those things that yours does....mine was an OEM install by the boat manufacturer.. i'd check the angles and dimensions on mine but the boat is on the hard for winter, 3 hours away...

eagleswing NautiCat321#138

 

[KellysEye]

>the chain angle is a touch too shallow

If that is the case then you need to raise the winch with a nylon pad. The chain should be 90 degrees to the top of the roller. That's what we had to do.

 

[SHUG]

Wear stout shoes and place foot on top of the gypsy. Works for me.
signed :Limpy