Replacing gypsy on SL Horizon windlass

[superboots]

I wish to change the gypsy from 7/8 chain to 10mm chain. If I try to use the stainless 10mm chain I have it slips off the gypsy - I have measured it and the chain is just a tad longer in the link. So to use this chain I need to replace the gypsy. Is the gypsy a unique design or can I fit another brand ? I believe SL was taken over by Lewmar - will a lewmar gypsy fit?

 

[Neeves]

I think a first swift port of call would be to speak direct to Lewmar. Phone them and ask - they might answer all of your questions.

I'm far to young to know the details of SL gypsies or the chains to match - but current Imperial chains, from the US, have totally different link dimensions to current metric chain.

A word of warning - gypsies are expensive - an original SL windlass must be old, really old - it might be a good time to look at something more modern (you might be surprised at the cost of gypsies compared to the cost of a new windlass).

Jonathan

 

[Malish]

Try
Homepage | Simpson Lawrence Yacht Parts & Spares

 

[Stooriefit]

Best person to answer your question is John at SL Spares (www.slspares.co.uk). John used to work for Simpson Lawrence and bought their stock when SL was taken over by Lewmar. Wouldn't bother contacting Lewmar. If anyone had a new gypsy that will fit it is him. I would disagree with Neeves about the issue of age of the windlass. My SL one is over 30 years old and still going strong. The issue is whether previous owners have maintained it properly. In any event it can virtually be rebuilt.

 

[Razorray]

I wish to change the gypsy from 7/8 chain to 10mm chain. If I try to use the stainless 10mm chain I have it slips off the gypsy - I have measured it and the chain is just a tad longer in the link. So to use this chain I need to replace the gypsy. Is the gypsy a unique design or can I fit another brand ? I believe SL was taken over by Lewmar - will a lewmar gypsy fit?

Hi, I have a spare 10mm Gypsy from my SL Sprint 1500 windlass because I went the other way & downsized to 8 mm chain, dont know if this will fit your windlass plus I am in Greece but having purchased my 8mm gypsy from SL spares at an eye watering price if this will fit your requirements I‘m pretty sure we could come to a mutually satisfactory arrangement inc courier costs that would still be a lot cheaper than buying a new one, Let me know if your interested, cheers Ray

 

[superboots]

Thanks to all and Ray (will consider option) I have some communications with John at SL parts. Yes gypsies are expensive - I might take a gamble on a lightly used windlass with a gypsy but no motor

 

[superboots]

John sent me a manual - multilingual but not in English. Seems there were many varieties of gypsy depending on the country of sale