New anchor windlass

[wiggy]

I’m after a new windlass for my Beneteau First 31.7. At present I have a mix of 8mm chain and octoplait for my rode. The boat is relatively light weight, I don’t anchor in exposed positions or in strong winds. I need the windlass due to repeated back problems culminating in 4 months of work.
Do I buy a new windlass for my existing good condition rode or go down in chain size and buy a new windlass to go with it?
I’m on a tight that budget, any recommendations on products would also be much appreciated.

 

[Boathook]

Unless the 8mm chain is calibrated you may need to replace it. I would go down the route of getting the windlass you want and then sorting out the chain and rope to match as they are cheap compared with windlass.

 

[wiggy]

Unless the 8mm chain is calibrated you may need to replace it. I would go down the route of getting the windlass you want and then sorting out the chain and rope to match as they are cheap compared with windlass.

The chain is calibrated, it was used this a South Pacific windlass that has failed terminally.

 

[Boathook]

Easiest and possibly cheapest is to put in another south pacific windlass.
Why did your windlass fail as mine is a south pacific and I managed to strip some teeth on the gearbox. 2 new gears, gear shaft and gaskets I had it rebuilt. I found that eye? marine in Suffolk who are the main dealers were very helpful.

 

[Neeves]

If you use a powered windlass, and it is of sufficient power, there is no need to touch the chain at all. So the chain you use is not relevant (except heavy chain will reduce the performance of the yacht). So you can keep the same rode and simply repair the existing windlass or buy a new windlass with a 8mm gypsy. All 8mm chain is the same and all gypsies will accept whatever you have. Some gypsies are better able to accept a mixed rode, so check (before you buy)

If you had a clean slate I'd say buy a new windlass but move up a motor size (as it gives you a bigger margin of safety/extra power) and I'd move down in chain size to 6mm, get a G40 quality. However you need to ensure you have the correct power cables, battery capacity to run the windlass.

We were in a similar situation and bought a Maxwell windlass engineered for 8mm chain but with a 6mm gypsy. (I think called an RC8-6 with a 1,000watt motor). I understand Maxwell windlass are expensive in the UK but after 4 years we have nothing but praise for Maxwell (maybe you get what you pay for). Great service and support. We changed from 8mm chain to effectively, a G70 6mm. I installed the windlass - easy. Ours is a bigger yacht than yours, 38' cat, 22'6" beam all up weight 7t fully laden with 2 of crew - so the RC8-6 would be comfortable if not 'over-engineered' for you

The Maxwell replaced a Muir Atlantic which was 16 years old and the Maxwell is impressively fast on retrieval compared to the Muir (if retrieval speed is important to you).

You don't quite explain why you have a bad back when you already have a, powered, windlass. As mentioned - if the windlass is faulty - the cheapest option is - repair it! If one of the issues is getting the anchor over the bow roller - then I understand as it can be necessary for inelegant contortions - in which case

How to boomerang your anchor right back at you - MySailing.com.au

you can have one made quite easily in any local machine shop from 2205 duplex stainless.

I can advise that I found it hard work retrieving 50m of 8mm chain but 6mm chain is so much easier. 6mm weighs 0.8kg/m and 8mm 1.45kg/m - to which you must add the anchor weight. 6mm takes up much less room than 8mm if space (or towering) is an issue.

Jonathan

 

[peter gibbs]

I’m after a new windlass for my Beneteau First 31.7. At present I have a mix of 8mm chain and octoplait for my rode. The boat is relatively light weight, I don’t anchor in exposed positions or in strong winds. I need the windlass due to repeated back problems culminating in 4 months of work.
Do I buy a new windlass for my existing good condition rode or go down in chain size and buy a new windlass to go with it?
I’m on a tight that budget, any recommendations on products would also be much appreciated.

The best solution, if you have to invest in a new windlass, is to match chain and rode when the new gear is installed; this way lies a secure job. Can your present windlass be serviced? Otherwise you're in for several hundred pounds; but as a back sufferer myself you might want to bite this bullet to be sure of not adding to your woes.

PWG

 

[Star-Lord]

I’m after a new windlass for my Beneteau First 31.7. At present I have a mix of 8mm chain and octoplait for my rode. The boat is relatively light weight, I don’t anchor in exposed positions or in strong winds. I need the windlass due to repeated back problems culminating in 4 months of work.
Do I buy a new windlass for my existing good condition rode or go down in chain size and buy a new windlass to go with it?
I’m on a tight that budget, any recommendations on products would also be much appreciated.

As boathook advises either replace your windlass, like for like, or get a rebuild. By far the most sensible and cost effective option imo.

 

[De.windhoos]

Cut off a length of chain and take it with you when you go shopping. that way you can check if it fits ok on the gypsy.

 

[Cactus Sailing]

I’m after a new windlass for my Beneteau First 31.7. At present I have a mix of 8mm chain and octoplait for my rode. The boat is relatively light weight, I don’t anchor in exposed positions or in strong winds. I need the windlass due to repeated back problems culminating in 4 months of work.
Do I buy a new windlass for my existing good condition rode or go down in chain size and buy a new windlass to go with it?
I’m on a tight that budget, any recommendations on products would also be much appreciated.

I stalked on eBay for best part of 4 months but came across a windlass I won for £89.65, if you have the patience there are some bargains that get put up there, but then you need to be flexible on fitting arrangements and such, so might not be a like for like swap.

Can you not repair it? even if its a stripped gear or burnt out motor, there are many small companies who can rewind motors, replace gears etc. for reasonable money.

 

[sailaboutvic]

As already said 8mm chain will fit any 8 mm gypsy unlike 10mm chain .
Why don't you look into having it fix buying a new windless may mean new bracket new holes and they are not cheap . Unless the casing has fell apart you can still get parts it be far cheaper , plus with what's going in with the coran you have plenty of time to get it repair.

 

[Boathook]

The chain is calibrated, it was used this a South Pacific windlass that has failed terminally.

In what way has the windlass failed terminally?