SL Anchorman Power Windlass reminder needed.

[KAM]

Just doing a major service. Got the drawings and seem to remember the main shaft with keyway just lifts out of the below deck gearbox and motor. Thought I'd just check here before applying any more force. It hasnt been apart for 13 years.

 

[KAM]

Yes was the answer but only if the shaft seal hasn't been leaking. This turned out to be a total epic. Got the shaft moving with a hub puller but it jammed just before the end. Had to block up inside and try to drive it back in. Eventually had to resort to a sledge hammer. Not a tool I normally use. Fortunately I had a piece of luck. The circlips failed at the first blow and everything dropped into the boat undamaged. Phew. The lesson here is I'd made a nice decorative cover to go over the motor and gearbox but hadn't checked it for over 10 years. A relatively simple seal and bearing replacement job now. Not sure how it was still working without the top bearing which was just a blob of rust.