jwilson
Well-known member
After lengthy soaking in Plus-gas, and application of substantial heat, finally managed to dismantle windlass mechanical section with only slightly burnt and sore fingers. The warping drum interior was full of gritty brown crud - http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/IMG_0611.jpg - and the base of the alloy drum was badly corroded. The gypsy and cone clutch below looks near-perfect. In future I will religiously follow the instructions to dismantle and clean every six months at least.
I have "put my name down" with the Lofrans importer Peachments for a new drum when one comes into stock - these (under 9 year old) windlasses are old models and spare parts are now unavailable, but apparently Lofrans are making up a special batch of spares as they have had a lot of requests.
At the same time I have fitted a set of buttons and switch in the anchor locker to let you use the electric windlass without plugging in the remote controller - http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/IMG_0612.jpg - two waterproof horn/starter buttons and an on-off switch plus LED to activate them. The remote plug-in still works. I did not want to cut holes in the sandwich deck for footswitches, this fits neatly-ish in existing round holes in the top of the anchor locker.
I have "put my name down" with the Lofrans importer Peachments for a new drum when one comes into stock - these (under 9 year old) windlasses are old models and spare parts are now unavailable, but apparently Lofrans are making up a special batch of spares as they have had a lot of requests.
At the same time I have fitted a set of buttons and switch in the anchor locker to let you use the electric windlass without plugging in the remote controller - http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/IMG_0612.jpg - two waterproof horn/starter buttons and an on-off switch plus LED to activate them. The remote plug-in still works. I did not want to cut holes in the sandwich deck for footswitches, this fits neatly-ish in existing round holes in the top of the anchor locker.
