Whar size chain for Old SL500 Windlass ?

[Solosailor]

Hello. I have bought a boat with an old (mid fifties?) SL500 windlass. It is very robust device and after a little attention seems to be in good working order.
I'm at a loss as to the correct size of chain for the gypsy. Cast into the inside face of the gypsy is 'SL500' and '15'. Space between the teeth is about 76mm, width between the teeth is 16mm and width inside the open part ( to accommodate the width of the link) is 38mm.
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[tillergirl]

http://www.slspares.co.uk/

 

[NormanS]

Welcome.
Possibly your best bet is to borrow some short samples of chain, and just try them on the gypsy.

 

[Solosailor]

Thanks for the suggestions. I hoped that someone was still using one of these. I've tried the current SL parts supplier but they have no info on these old windlasses. A you say Norman, find ot by trial and error.

 

[charles_reed]

Hello. I have bought a boat with an old (mid fifties?) SL500 windlass. It is very robust device and after a little attention seems to be in good working order.
I'm at a loss as to the correct size of chain for the gypsy. Cast into the inside face of the gypsy is 'SL500' and '15'. Space between the teeth is about 76mm, width between the teeth is 16mm and width inside the open part ( to accommodate the width of the link) is 38mm.
Any help would be appreciated.

Sounds like old 1/2" chain - unfortunately this is the only chain size which doesn't match up in metric standards - suggest you get a specific 1/2" section NOT 10mm.

 

[Poignard]

My two penn'orth.

Contact the only remaining British chain manufacturer - Griff Chains Ltd - and see if they can help.

http://www.griffchains.co.uk/chain.html

 

[Solosailor]

Thanks for the info.
My thoughts too, Charles. I guessed at ½''Ø x 1½'' pitch, but could not find any advertised chain that matched.
Parsifal, I will try them, the only British chain manufacturer ? How things have changed during my lifetime.

 

[Bilgediver]

Hello. I have bought a boat with an old (mid fifties?) SL500 windlass. It is very robust device and after a little attention seems to be in good working order.
I'm at a loss as to the correct size of chain for the gypsy. Cast into the inside face of the gypsy is 'SL500' and '15'. Space between the teeth is about 76mm, width between the teeth is 16mm and width inside the open part ( to accommodate the width of the link) is 38mm.
Any help would be appreciated.

Take the gypsy into a yacht chandler and try the chain in it. The measurements you have taken do not give a true indication. The only accurate information comes from measuring the bottom of the pocket and as that may be worn then also could be a waste of time. Much easier to try 3/8 ... 10 mm etc and see how it engages.