Power Windlass

[kchitty]

I'm thinking about replacing the manual windlass on my Sigma 362 with an electric one as I'm finding lifting a chunky CQR knackering in my geriatric condition. Has anyone any experience of doing this, any idea of overall cost if I do the job myself & any advice about good or bad windlass models.

 

[Sans Bateau]

There was a thread on this just recently, almost without exception, Lofrans was the recommended product, whichever one suits your boat.

PS welcome to the forum.

 

[Channel Ribs]

We fit alot of the Lofrans Dorado and they always go in easily and do the job superbly, budget around 700 pounds after taking into account the wiring, connectors, &c.

 

[Shuggy]

It was my recent post, I think. Great responses. Try here

 

[Danny]

I fitted a "Quick" model (horizontal type) a couple of seasons ago and the cost was pretty much just the cost of the windlass; the deck switches, breaker and control relay; and the cabling. The only additional cost I can think of was that, in my case, I had to mount the windlass on a thick teak platform to get it to the correct height for the bow roller. It was fairly simple to fit and works perfectly.

 

[jleaworthy]

Went through the same thought process as yourself - ended up fitting a Lofrans Aeron which has been absolutely brilliant. Just a couple of points - after advice on this site I bought a 1000 Watt model which provides power to spare although you will need to riun your engine at a fast idle to take some of the load of the batteries; I also has to replace the anchor chain. Although mine was 8mm as was the gypsy on the windlass the links were slightly longer than standard.

I think the cost depends on the deal you can do and the controls that you buy. I bought the rmote control on an extending lead which was expensive. But my wife swears by it which is a lot better than her swearing at me.

 

[pampas]

Thinking of doing the same thing for tha same reasons. But going for the Following, these are spur gear winches and run at full load of around 16 Amps as opposed to 75 +, also the gypsy will take uncalibrated chain if required. The agents in uk are Darglow Engineering, unit 6, Justin BusinessPark, Wareham, Dorset. BH20 7DW........01929 556512 or www.darglow.co.uk

Example Hoizontal winch mid range at 12 dc. 235 kg lift, 18m/min at 35kg load. 14 Amp at the same loading.

comes with all the bells and whistles, I am impressed the loadings and also the prices, have a look I am sure that you will be swayed. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Medskipper]

Hi,

I just finished fitting my new Lofrans Tigress in July. In total it has cost around £1500. That includes 50mtrs of new 8mm chain.

Installing the cable is inho the most difficult job as it had to be at least 50.sq.mm cable or slightly larger. I opted for 50.sqmm because I could not find anybody selling lugs that would fit 60.sqmm cable. The lugs must be crimped correctly with an even pressure so I hired a crimping tool for this job. I have been very pleased with the results.

Barry

 

[cagey]

Welcome,
also have 362 brilliant boat and this winter plan on fitting lofrans perhaps we can swap ideas etc., I am in Falmouth where are you. there are at least 6 362's around here If you want pm your phone no and we cn meet up, other local owners nice people.
keith

 

[GMac]

[ QUOTE ]
Thinking of doing the same thing for tha same reasons. But going for the Following, these are spur gear winches and run at full load of around 16 Amps as opposed to 75 +, also the gypsy will take uncalibrated chain if required.

[/ QUOTE ]

?? Is the winch called a 'Following' or made by or am I just very confused. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif No winch stuff at that link.

All winches will run un-calibrated chain just it will blow most up when it jambs. The nasty bit is when you find using un-calibrated voids most warrantees. Not to mention all good manufacturers calibrate their chains as standard. Bad manufacturers don't and if they don't calibrate what else don't they do i.e proof test it.

 

[BrendanS]

I've never understood this calibrated stuff, as any chain will become rapidly uncalibrated after a few days at anchor, with barnacles, seaweed etc.

 

[kchitty]

Re: Power Windlass *DELETED* *DELETED*

Post deleted by morningstar

 

[Sans Bateau]

"Barnacles"? How long are you going to stay at anchor? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

If the chain is going to go out of shape with use and hence become uncalibrated, then you should'nt have bought cheap crappy Chinese chain in the first place! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

A bit of weed and eventual crusting of salt etc will not effect the calibration.

 

[Sans Bateau]

Keith

take your mobile number off the forum!

PM it to Keith!!!

You dont know what low life will read the post and abuse the number!!!