Quick (2005 vertical) non-drum windlass problem - anchor won't drop

[struth]

New (old 2005) boat, tried to drop anchor (first time) but managed only 5 metres or so. Chain seemed to be stuck as windlass turned but did not 'bite'. Hauled back up OK. Back in marina checked manual - winch handle well clockwise to engage clutch; undid central bolt - well-greased and clean inside (altho outside a bit cruddy). Now would not drop any chain at all, altho it lifted when H/H pressed. Released clutch and tried to use manually - no go at all either.
Help v welcome...

 

[TradewindSailor]

I don't know your windlass ..... but they all operate on the same principle as far as I'm aware.

I'm not sure what you are saying. If the anchor chain doesn't release when you release the mechanical clutch (by undoing the centre nut slightly) either there is not enough tension in the chain so try and pull it out, the clutch cone needs cleaning and greasing, the chain doesn't fit the gypsy and is jamming, or the chain is cobbled in the chain locker.

The clutch is re-engaged by doing the centre nut up (clockwise) as you say. This is to connect the motor drive to the gypsy. If the motor is connected to drive both ways the chain can be let out and retrieved .... some motors / gears can only be driven one way, but this is rare.

If the windlass wont drive when there is a load on the chain, you worm gear is probably worn or stripped .... which may not be repairable as it depends on the availability of parts and the cost of labour.

 

[struth]

Thanks for that TWS. Have been down to the boat today and taken off the anchor and the chain (8mm) from the windlass (1000 w Antares). The problem seems to have been the barbotin spring which keeps the ratchet away from the gypsy when dropping the anchor. I've fiddled with the little plastic lever and now it works a treat. I'm trying to locate a new spring which could take a while. Meanwhile I cleaned it up and checked the remote (totally fine) and the motor underneath which is as new...

 

[NormanS]

Thanks for that TWS. Have been down to the boat today and taken off the anchor and the chain (8mm) from the windlass (1000 w Antares). The problem seems to have been the barbotin spring which keeps the ratchet away from the gypsy when dropping the anchor. I've fiddled with the little plastic lever and now it works a treat. I'm trying to locate a new spring which could take a while. Meanwhile I cleaned it up and checked the remote (totally fine) and the motor underneath which is as new...

Glad you've got it sorted. What's a barbotin spring?

 

[struth]

Barbotin


Part 28. Barbotin French for ratchet, apparently.

 

[Roberto]

Barbotin French for ratchet, apparently.

"Barbotin" is the gypsy, the rotating metal jaws where the chain links engage

 

[NormanS]

"Barbotin" is the gypsy, the rotating metal jaws where the chain links engage

You learn something new every day. I wonder what the derivation of "gypsy" is the the context of chain wheels.

 

[vyv_cox]

I wonder what the derivation of "gypsy" is the the context of chain wheels.

Me too, so I Googled it and found that the question has come up before. Some very amusing suggestions. http://www.ybw.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-292962.html

 

[J Neeves]

I'm not sure but I think Americans call what we call a gypsy they call a 'wildcat'.

If this is correct - no wonder we sometimes cannot understand each other?

Jonathan

 

[NormanS]

I'm not sure but I think Americans call what we call a gypsy they call a 'wildcat'.

If this is correct - no wonder we sometimes cannot understand each other?

Jonathan

Two nations divided by a common language.

 

[Roberto]

You learn something new every day. I wonder what the derivation of "gypsy" is the the context of chain wheels.

I looked for "barbotin" ethymology, the device was invented by Benoit Barbotin, a French navy officer (1793-1871).
He was one of the (very) few survivors from the wreck of "La Méduse", a tragic event: the ship was bringing colons into Senegal, she went aground off Mauritania in the Banc D'Arguin, after a few hours it begun taking on a lot of water.
By then the crew were all drunk, they eventually decided to abandon the ship and jump on a raft they had built. They also brought a woman on the raft, the "Cantinière", "the wine serving lady", isn't that so French
They hoped to reach the shore but couldn't land and kept on drifting for days; mutiny, extreme violence and even cannibalism were reported on the raft. Three survived.

Someone may recognize the famous painting by Gericault