What type windlass do I have ?

[RichardS]

Thank you for all the tips so far and sorry if I have not been replying very swiftly. Let me explain my intention. I am Belgian and sail from Blankenberge marina. I don't anchor a lot, but with the currents in front of the Belgian coast I always want to be able to lower the anchor in case of engine failure (which I have often seen happening with boats asking help from the local coast guard station). I am not technical and do not really want to change the electrics myself. I was just looking for a way to lower the anchor manually and was wondering why nothing happened when I used a winch handle on the windlass (apart from unscrewing the chrome top part in the windlass).

For manual anchor lowering you need to go back to post #3 and investigate if the cones are seized.

Richard

 

[pvb]

I don't anchor a lot, but with the currents in front of the Belgian coast I always want to be able to lower the anchor in case of engine failure (which I have often seen happening with boats asking help from the local coast guard station). I am not technical and do not really want to change the electrics myself.

It's a very easy job to disable the system which prevents you using the windlass without the engine running. If you can't do it yourself it won't cost much to get someone to do it for you.

 

[tudorsailor]

Thank you for all the tips so far and sorry if I have not been replying very swiftly. Let me explain my intention. I am Belgian and sail from Blankenberge marina. I don't anchor a lot, but with the currents in front of the Belgian coast I always want to be able to lower the anchor in case of engine failure (which I have often seen happening with boats asking help from the local coast guard station). I am not technical and do not really want to change the electrics myself. I was just looking for a way to lower the anchor manually and was wondering why nothing happened when I used a winch handle on the windlass (apart from unscrewing the chrome top part in the windlass).

Just to elaborate on post #3. Although I have a lewmar windlass I think the principle is the same. When all is as it should be the top drum engages with a cone underneath when the top nut is tight. When it is like this, chain cannot run freely. However, loosening the top nut should release the top drum from the capstan and chain. Then you can drop the anchor and control the amount and speed by tightening and loosening the top nut. If the windlass is dirty, then loosening the top nut makes no difference. On my Lewmar I take the top nut off and tap the drum to get it off the capstan and shaft. Clean the cone where the bottom of the drum engages with the top of the capstan. Apply a bit of grease and hey presto, chain runs out like a rocket.

FWIW, I use the windlass when flying a cruising chute. With the top drum loose - and the anchor snubbed, I put the tack of the chute around the drum. I can then tighten the luff of the chute with the electric windlass and loosen by relaxing as with any other winch

If you windlass is nothing like mine - ignore the above. But maybe start by lifting the drum up off the shaft and see what you find

TudorSailor