Maxwell-Nilsson Windlass

Plan_B

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We've got one of these on the boat. Its a V1000 and over 20 years. They were made in N.Zealand but production has ceased. It still works, but the electric motor, which could be Lucas, is so corroded that I dare not touch it in case it falls apart.

I understand the motor was modified to fit this windlass and that spares are no longer available. The winch is very good (needs to be - the anchor is 83lbs).

Do any Forumites have experience of M-N and the chances of getting a new motor, or am I to change the whole windlass?

DD
 
There still seems to be a fairly thriving industry of outfits that will rewind starter motors etc., and can do so just having looked at the thing (they can see wire sizes etc..)

In Portugal, I had a genset completely rewound, including the windings to charge its own starter battery, with no other information other than the thing itself...
 
Rewinding probably won't do as the case is corroded.
IF you are lucky, the motor is a std industry model and type (check under ISO) and you can look to electric motor manufacturers (many windlass makers don't actually produce their motor).

BUT: have you got a price for example from Lofrans? I must admit I'm a very satisfied customer (20 hours elapsed time to modify my Airon 88 from the Beneteau version to the std one, i.e. from capstan and bell on right side to bell on left and capstan on right side).
You can download the template to check the installation; they also have a useful wi-fi radio control with chain counter that I greatly appreciated last summer.
Cheers
 
Wait a day or so and I'll walk next door and ask Mr Nilsson himself (actually the son of now) what to do. They are still alive and well after Nilsson Maxwell split into Maxwell and James Nilsson Ltd.

FYI - Nilssons still make many many winches. Some of the big Lewmars and Harken are actually made by them. Fancy that.

If I remember right they recently told us they do have replacements for the Lucus motors. Out of Italy I think so they may just be able to tell you where to pick one up locally.

Another FYI - most winch manufacturers use motors made in the same place in Italy. There is some differances in the mounts though.
 
That would be really useful GMac if you got a steer from Mr Nilsson. I know the company still make winches, so a motor modified to fit the V1000 would be great.

A European outley would also be an advantage. I tried Lewmar about a year ago, as they were said to be a Nilsson agent. I can't remember the answer - only that it didn't help me.

I had thought of changing the whole device and yes Lofrans was the first to come to mind. Trouble is the old one is still good and the mate won't let me change it until it breaks, and that is sure to be at the most inconvenient time!

Thanks for the suggestions

DD
 
G'day Plan B,

Had a chat with the man himself today and they do have new motors and a adaptor kit for the V1000. They swap a couple a month he says. He also said anyone with 1/2 decent handybloke skills could swap it over easily themselves.

The motor is Italian made, as I suspected, 1000W 12 volt. The problem is the adaptor kits are sitting in NZ, so are some motors.

He told me the cost is approx. $400 for the motor and $350 for the kit. Those are NZ$ which is close to 33p your money.

They do ship overseas a lot so I'm sure you could do a credit card thing and get them to send it all over or something. They are a class outfit so you would not have any dodgy drama issues. The only downside would be time really with you being way up there.

I forgot to ask if there was any sitting up your way. I'll ask tomorrow. Damn... I always forget the simple stuff /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
 
Thats good news GMac, thanks. I'll just wait to hear if there is an outlet closer to UK - if not I need to set the wheels in motion and get the kit ordered. A couple of of workmates have been to NZ fairly recently - but I guess they would not be best pleased humping a motor back in their suitcase!

Time is not really an issue, I can fit when I get it.

regards

DD
 
G'day again,
The short answer is no. All sitting down here.
Shipping can be done.

Suss them here. Any dramas just PM me and I'll wonder over with a size 12 golf shoe and 'have a chat' /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I would not expect any drama though.

Just ask for a motor and the adaptor kit for the V1000, they will know what you mean.

http://jamesnilsson.com/home.htm

Hope it all works out well for you.
 
Note to black book:
Row over to Plan_B for cold beer one day /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Happy to help.
 
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