Lofrans out of buisness

[MAURICE]

Hi
My Lofrans Kobra needs replacing. Ive been waiting six months for Lofrans but have decided to cancel the order and go elsewhere. I understand that due to them owing money they cannot open for buisness. It would seem that they will not be producing Windlasses for a long time if at all. Anyway I need to get a replacement windlass so my question is which windlass would you reccomend/That you have changed that is the same dimension as a Lofrans Kobra 10mm 12v 1000 W
Thanks
Maurice

 

[vyv_cox]

Maxwell. Excellent windlass, never had a problem with it. We bought the original one in 2003, since when it has done a tremendous amount of work. The design was updated a couple of years ago and we bought one of them, only because we wanted a capstan as well as a chain gypsy. The company is well represented in UK.

 

[nigelmercier]

Have you tried Peachment? http://www.peachment.co.uk/

 

[BlueSkyNick]

Hi Maurice, I had to replace the Kobra windlass on our 44 too - basically the motor assembly completely disintegrated due to corrosion. I spent weeks trying to find one, then came across these guys http://www.safety-marine.co.uk/. An hour after the initial phone call, I was standing in the shop buying one off the shelf for less than previous quotes !! That was 5 years ago, though, but you never know they might have another one.

Best of luck

 

[Billjratt]

The first thing I did to my Kobra before it was installed was to drill drain holes in the motor end cap and give the rest of it a skoosh of lacquer. (Once the wiring was connected)
I suspected future motor failure would be due to water gathering in the cap where the brushes and lots of dissimilar metals live.
Possibly a plastic sleeve or something similar would also help shield it from the wet salty chain rattling past.
Sorry to hear they're likely to become history because they're fine if looked after - that also means snubbing the chain on a cleat rather than leaving the windlass to take the load while anchored, I believe that causes thrust bearing failure on the worm drive. A canvas cover is also good for when it's not in use - as you can see I'm desperate to make mine last 'cos I don't know of a reasonable replacement and don't like re-investments anyway.

 

[vyv_cox]

The first thing I did to my Kobra before it was installed was to drill drain holes in the motor end cap and give the rest of it a skoosh of lacquer. (Once the wiring was connected)
I suspected future motor failure would be due to water gathering in the cap where the brushes and lots of dissimilar metals live.

Something like this was the only problem with my original Maxwell. The upper gearbox casting attachment to the on-deck parts was closed, allowing water to accumulate there. Over a number of years corrosion took place to such an extent that I could not separate the two parts, very inconvenient. The replacement part, and the latest version, have milled slots for drainage.

 

[superboots]

Have you tried EC Smith. They were the distributor for Lofrans in th UK and may still have spares

 

[nigelmercier]

Have you tried Peachment? http://www.peachment.co.uk/

Have you tried EC Smith. They were the distributor for Lofrans in th UK and may still have spares

Peachment are the new distributors.

 

[emandvee44]

I don't think so

http://www.svb24.com/en/category/windlasses.html

 

[GrahamM376]

Have you tried EC Smith. They were the distributor for Lofrans in th UK and may still have spares

Lofrans are trading and Peachment are the UK distributors. I got a 1000w 12v Kobra from them last week. Mailspeed & IIRC Marine Superstore buy direct from Lofrans and are advertising them below RRP.

 

[nigelmercier]

I don't think so...
http://www.svb24.com/en/category/windlasses.html

SVB are German.

 

[Sneaky Pete]

Lofrans are trading and Peachment are the UK distributors. I got a 1000w 12v Kobra from them last week. Mailspeed & IIRC Marine Superstore buy direct from Lofrans and are advertising them below RRP.

They are advertising them have been since Lofrans was trading but they cannot supply them. The Lofrans stuff just fills out their web ad's makes it look like they sell a lot of gear.