Italwinch- anyone have one?

Tintin

Tintin

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I have been looking at the Italwinch Smart range. I like the built in chain counter and what seems to be simple fitting.

Has anyone got any experience of them?

What sort of maintenance?

Easy to install?

That sort of thing :)
 
I confess, I've never heard of the Ital windlass - but we are based in the nether regions of the world :)

Based on the link kindly provided of a similar yacht then your 'problem' is that you really want the feed of the chain to be at right angles to the gypsy (a straight run). You can modify the run using rollers but they take up room and the installation then gets complicated (as you need to reinforce for the roller location). The best option is to have the gypsy at 'bow roller' level and then you get the straight run. This then means the windlass needs to be located where the existing hatch is. (and I think this was your general view in the other thread). If you have a windlass with a capstan the drum will protrude well above deck level.

You could chop up the existing hatch, beefing up the piece to accept the windlass and somehow ensuring you do not fill the locker with water every time you take seas over the bow. You will need top beef up the piece of hatch 'left over' as you will have reduced its integrity by chopping it up.

I don't know how big the locker is nor how the chain might drop - but one redeeming factor - by downsizing the 8mm chain will take up less room than the 10mm chain.

You will need to access the locker, it will need to be cleaned, occasionally, and you will need to be able to clean the drain holes. Your new windlass will need to be serviced, the suggestion is commonly - annually. So you will need to be able to access the gear box and shaft. I can assure you anchor/chain lockers are an abomination - there is little or no space - careful thought now will bear dividends when you service - later.

I was not clear how the Ital windlass was assembled. You need to ensure the motor can be located in any orientation, so that it fits and is out of the way of the fall of the chain. Our windlass can be disassembled without need to undo the fixing bolts (which makes it a bit easier). Ours is a Maxwell RC 8 6 with 1,000 watt motor. If you check the link, below, they have a little diagram on the specification page showing how it assembles. Most windlass actually look very similar, there is not too much originality. Maintenance of ours is checking the gear box oil, ours has a little sight glass, and greasing the shaft. Nothing too onerous.

Rope/Chain Series

Jonathan
 
Neeves said:
I confess, I've never heard of the Ital windlass - but we are based in the nether regions of the world :)

Based on the link kindly provided of a similar yacht then your 'problem' is that you really want the feed of the chain to be at right angles to the gypsy (a straight run). You can modify the run using rollers but they take up room and the installation then gets complicated (as you need to reinforce for the roller location). The best option is to have the gypsy at 'bow roller' level and then you get the straight run. This then means the windlass needs to be located where the existing hatch is. (and I think this was your general view in the other thread). If you have a windlass with a capstan the drum will protrude well above deck level.

You could chop up the existing hatch, beefing up the piece to accept the windlass and somehow ensuring you do not fill the locker with water every time you take seas over the bow. You will need top beef up the piece of hatch 'left over' as you will have reduced its integrity by chopping it up.

I don't know how big the locker is nor how the chain might drop - but one redeeming factor - by downsizing the 8mm chain will take up less room than the 10mm chain.

You will need to access the locker, it will need to be cleaned, occasionally, and you will need to be able to clean the drain holes. Your new windlass will need to be serviced, the suggestion is commonly - annually. So you will need to be able to access the gear box and shaft. I can assure you anchor/chain lockers are an abomination - there is little or no space - careful thought now will bear dividends when you service - later.

I was not clear how the Ital windlass was assembled. You need to ensure the motor can be located in any orientation, so that it fits and is out of the way of the fall of the chain. Our windlass can be disassembled without need to undo the fixing bolts (which makes it a bit easier). Ours is a Maxwell RC 8 6 with 1,000 watt motor. If you check the link, below, they have a little diagram on the specification page showing how it assembles. Most windlass actually look very similar, there is not too much originality. Maintenance of ours is checking the gear box oil, ours has a little sight glass, and greasing the shaft. Nothing too onerous.

Rope/Chain Series

Jonathan
Click to expand...


Thanks, I was also thinking of Maxwell RC.
 
Comrade Red said:
Yes did that search thanks, and actually there is only one.

Do i have your permission to post another?
Click to expand...

NO! You do NOT have my permission. I'll decide when you can post, on what threads you can post and the content of your post. Is that quite clear? :mad:

I don't know that the following links work
We also didn’t get around to deciding between a vertical or horizontal one (which as Vyv points out is more prone to snagging the sheets) but we were recommended to consider the Italwinch range imported by E C Smith, which appear good value http://www.ecs-marine-equipment.co.uk/marine-equipment/section-italwinch-index.html.

No one seems to have written a review.
 
coopec said:
NO! You do NOT have my permission. I'll decide when you can post, on what threads you can post and the content of your post. Is that quite clear? :mad:

I don't know that the following links work
We also didn’t get around to deciding between a vertical or horizontal one (which as Vyv points out is more prone to snagging the sheets) but we were recommended to consider the Italwinch range imported by E C Smith, which appear good value http://www.ecs-marine-equipment.co.uk/marine-equipment/section-italwinch-index.html.

No one seems to have written a review.
Click to expand...

Its the lack of reviews that I find strange.
 
Vyv has mentioned the problem of windlass motors being housed in a mild steel case and there being a potential - if not obvious risk of corrosion.

You would have thought windlass makers would protect their equipment and remove opportunity for corrosion, considering the environment in which they are used - but the windlass makers seem to enjoy exacerbating corrosion issues.

Many windlass appear to be made with aluminium castings and the windlass are held to together with stainless fasteners.

I have a fetish and look into anchor/chain/windlass lockers - and shudder. There is never any sign of grease nor Duralac on the windlass fasteners and now when I am asked to help with a windlass replacement I always carry an angle grinder as too many times the only way to get the old windlass removed is to chop it up.

Try to buy a windlass without aluminium castings and if possible disassemble the whole thing, before installation, and protect the stainless (even if you think there is no aluminium) by greasing or Duralac coating all the bolts. The shipwright who installed your windlass is paid for the installation - he does not believe he is paid to look after your investment - especially as windlass are pretty tough and issues might not occur for a few years (by which time he will have retired).

Jonathan
 
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