Moyle Manual Windlass. Any experiences?

[Poignard]

I have the chance to buy a used Moyle Manual Windlass, it looks in good condition and operates very smoothly. I have done a Google search but can't find out anything about this make.

Anyone here know anything about them? Good/bad? Spares availability? etc.

 

[tillergirl]

Since you have no answers yet, I'll add my few words. I have one on TG, probably original equipment from 1964. Never known where to get parts, nor indeed how to get it apart. My main spindle is worn so there is too much play but it works in the sense that I can haul chain in! It doesn't run free enough to let the chain out when the weight of the anchor is doing its stuff so I always do dropping chain by hand.

Seems a nice robust bit of kit with facility for chain or rope and with a brake and lock that is effective. It is, however, single action, eg one stroke forward lifts chain, the pull back does not which is a bit of a pain. I suppose modern chain is metric whereas this must use imperial chain which might be something you might need to think about.

If you don't get it after this or other comment, PM, I might be interested if its a smooth as you say.

 

[Black_Pearl]

Our Moyle works well and lifts on both push & pull
I have stripped the winch and replaced rusted internal chain links (have photos of insided if needed)
2 seperate chains for push pull operation (push bike chain)
Important to change oil as water could be in the sump

 

[Poignard]

[ QUOTE ]
It is, however, single action, eg one stroke forward lifts chain, the pull back does not which is a bit of a pain.

[/ QUOTE ]

Since my original post I have had a closer look at one of these Moyle Seadog windlasses. There are two short lengths of Renolds type chain, each operating on a ratchet sprocket [as used on single speed bicycles]. Two chains give double-action. I suspect that one of your chains has broken or the sprocket has failed. These look the sort of thing you could find in a bike shop. Regular lubrication is obviously important to protect these non-stainless items from corrosion. There is an oil filler cap in the top but no level or drain plug, so oil changes will need a pump.

I will have to consult the chain suppliers to see if they have chain to fit the sprocket. It is 5/16" but this is only .0025" smaller than modern 8mm chain so there shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Poignard]

Have you ever bought any calibrated chain for yours and was it readily available to suit the gypsy?

 

[ugrh01]

Re: Moyle Manual Windlass. How do you take them apart ?

Any idea how to take a Moyle windlass apart ? I have one that is completely seized. Looks like a woodruffe key into a shaft at either end of the main "axle" so I wondered if they are drifted into place at the factory and not intended to be stripped down.

 

[Poignard]

Re: Moyle Manual Windlass. How do you take them apart ?

On the one I have here the warping drum has a gib key, not a Woodruffe key, which is locked in place by a hexagon socket head screw passing through the drum and screwing down onto the key. The other end of the shaft carries the chain gypsy and this slides off the shaft after removal of the friction nut with the 4 holes in it. there should also be a circlip on the end of the shaft which has to be removed. After that you need to remove the cover plate giving access to the renolds chains and sprockets. I could take some pics next week if you want and e-mail them.

Incidentally, I spoke to Bob Ravenscroft of Bradney Chains Ltd today and it looks like standard calibrated 8mm chain, which is 24mm pitch, won't suit the Moyle Seadog gypsy which he thinks needs a longer pitch chain.

 

[tomkerrysloop]

Hi Poignard. A Moyle marine Mustang has been in my shed for years. Got it for a song. Fascinated by your thread. I know it 20yrs mate but those photos if you still had them would be a gift. This is my first input to the forum. Realise it’s a big ask.