I might need a new windlass :(

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BlueSkyNick

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Current one (Lofrans Kobra) is giving up the ghost gradually. Just fitted a new relay because it was dropping about 3v across the contacts but now realise this has probably been caused by the windlass itself.

Simply, when under any load it growns to a halt and trips the breaker. Had to pull the hook by hand this morning in 20kts of wind - anticipate a bad back tomorrow !

Next step is to strip it down and check the motor brushes and windings but based on Snowleopard's experience, I am tempted to buy a new one.

Anybody know of a swindlery who does deals or specialises in windlasses?
 
Well that depends on where you are? Whatever you do don't buy one in Sardinia, it'll cost twice as much as anywhere else.

Know how feel, I had to buy a new one 18 months ago. The old one just died, then spewed out 80+ meters of chain in 4m of water (in a crowded anchorage). Hurt my back and cut my hands & fingers getting bugger back.

Nice new Lofrans project low profile windlass fitted now, and it works!
 
we are in sunny southern UK.

I dont need a low profile one because it is in a locker anyway, but am wondering if all Lofrans models fit on the same footprint. The last thing I want to do is any surgery in the locker to fit something of a different size.
 
I suggest the following course of action:

Separate the motor from the windlass (may be easier said than done)

Clean up all the contacts in the motor

Try turning the gears by hand from the motor end. If it is stiff, dismantle it and replace bearings and seals as required - allow a couple of months for E C Smith to get the parts from Italy.

Make sure you use plenty of grease when reassembling!
 
Nick, surprised you have a cobra on the M44. When I went for electric over manual windlass, the smallest that the calculations give was a Lofrans Tigres at 1200w. It's all wind/dependent, but I suspect that the Cobra just isn't man enough.

BTW you have to saw the cleat off the top of the Tigres if you want it to fit in the anchor well.
 
Hi Nick
ropecellar in lee on solent has some windlasses very cheap
he only buys job lots so might not have the right size but worth a try if you cannot fix by the strip down and rebuild route
 
I don't know where they are
I spoke to him at boat show and he mentioned he was in lee
I think he just does online and boat shows his phone no. is 07808 061428 no connection just had good service etc.
 
Hi Nick. Give me the specs of your Windlass, Keiths friend has 'apparently' a warehouse full of ex westerly stuff including Windlass. he offerred me a 1000w unit at £350. it was new. he may have others. he is based in plymouth so expect to pay £30 ish for delivery if he has a unit. Worth the call sir!
 
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