windlass, wiring and testing

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symondo

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I've been reading up on the windlass which is currently disconnected.

By the looks of it, I have 2 large wires which should be on a battery. 1 positive which looks to goto a breaker box on the bulkhead in the engine bay. And a negative to complete the circuit.

I would assume the breaker, pretty self explanatory. I have a switch on the dash... again I assume should 'arm' the system. And finally a deck switch to stand on to release the anchor and chain.... I assume?

Would this make sense?
Also in terms of raising the anchor, is it a matter of standing back on the button?

Currently the boat is dry docked, is there some unwritten rule to say I cannot drop the anchor on a marina floor to test the system?

Also regarding the connection to a battery, is it best to attach this to the house battery or an engine starting battery?
 
I think this might help

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k126/pvbpics/lofrans.jpg

Dropping the anchor in the yard should be OK as many do it anyway during winter storage, I think to help keep it from rusting.
As the engines are usually running when the winch is being operated I would have thought that it wouldn't really matter which battery, though I suppose if you were going to run it much with the engines off the domestic bank would be better.
 
Cheers for the image, I'll keep that to hand for reference.

Although I'm sure there is only 1 foot switch on our system? The way I understand it is it uses gravity to pull it down and the winch pulls it back up - would this make sense?
 
hi,

when you say windlass disconnected, as in removed and wires out, or simply the red thick wire is not connected to the battery?
I'm asking because you've not mentioned the actual relay box that gets fed with the + (on the windlass side, usually mounted on a bulkhead around the bow) and then split to two thick wires that go to the windlass. Again, assume your windlass takes 3 thick wires in, right?
The switch if it's an on off thing provides current to this relay box. Doesn't cut the massive thick wire, just disables the button presses on various toggles (on dash - typically 2 on f/b boats) or foot switches (two of them, right?)

So basically all the thin "control" wires go to the relay box and give signals to the relay to arm the one or the other side.
trying to think where my windlass is connected, I think it's the service batteries but not 100% sure.

pics are always helpful

cheers

V.
 
I always forget to take photos, just prefer to get stuck in.
When we bought the boat I was advised the owner had disconnected the windlass as the boat was on a canal, and he didntw ant anyone to accidentally stand on the button and release the anchor.

There looks to be just the 2 wires in the engine bay, I'd assume the windlass end should be untouched..... should...

I can only recall 1 foot switch though. But its on my agenda for my next trip to get working
 
symondo said:
I always forget to take photos, just prefer to get stuck in.
When we bought the boat I was advised the owner had disconnected the windlass as the boat was on a canal, and he didntw ant anyone to accidentally stand on the button and release the anchor.

There looks to be just the 2 wires in the engine bay, I'd assume the windlass end should be untouched..... should...

I can only recall 1 foot switch though. But its on my agenda for my next trip to get working
Click to expand...

fair enough,

not familiar on how a single switch is wired on a windlass, dead simple, BUT needs a beefy relay somewhere!
po was talking blx, as if someone would accidentaly stand on the switch (a single switch that is!) he'd do bugger all since the anchor would be already up ;)

next time you're up there, take loads of pics and of the anchor locker looking up to the winch if possible.

V.
 
I will do.
Along with a mass of other bits I need to ask about probly lol

I'll plug it up and see what result I get first, it may very well be a simple 5 minute, 2 cable fix. Just have to hope there's enough juice in it to wind it back up I guess!
 
Bit of an update on this....

Wired it back to a battery, flicked the isolator switch

the switch on the dash lit up to assumes 'system armed' stood on the button..... nothing.

Now normally id be all ove the place with my electrical meter however i thought id try the manual handle - the windlass is solid. i cant even get it to move a millimetre.

I can only assume its not been used for a long time and the internals are ceased? Hopefully it can be serviced :(

Definately 1 button. I understand it as - to drop the anchor - simply shove it overboard and winch is to bring the anchor back up. We have approx 45m of chain/rope so not really looking forward to hauling it all back up by hand at the moment
 
It could be as simple as the gypsy being jammed. However I am a bit suspicious of the prior owners explanation re non use in canals. Sounds like BS to me, covering a non working winch.
 
would taking such a thing apart be a job for a novice or is that an engineer job?

I have a feeling ive been spun a pile of BS on this front after getting a bit of hands on and an understanding of how it works. it wouldnt suprise me as other parts which were listed as part of the sale were removed prior to delivery but wont go into that - pointless going over stuff we cant change, would just like to look forward to getting everything functional and enjoy it
 
Bit of an update here...

I attacked the clutch units either side - and got them both off.The wheel which hauls chain went round freely, however the rope unit didnt. Upon a lot of reading i then proceeded to attack is with a mallet.

I managed to get the rope pulley off the windlass and on inspection it was full of **** - I'd assume its not been used in quite a long time.
I also noticed the wheel which has the holes for the manual handle (dont know its proper name) looks t obe corrosed to the main chassis of the windlass - I'd assime this is meant to be able to turn - not look like 1 piece.

Currently ive no idea hw to take this part off in order to remove the plate to have a look at the internals to check power, corrosion, grease etc...

I did take photos but they are on my phone at current. I'll look to add these later.
 
pics would definitely help.

Having fully dismantled my Lofrans Tigress windlass and "rebuilt" it (only new seals and a couple of ball bearings for a total cost of less than 20euro iirc) I'd suggest you don't really attack it with mallet. You need a pulley extractor and careful movements to avoid bending or cracking the rope unit. The gypsy should be bronze or something like that anyway...
How about removing the motor (should be dead easy!) and establish that:
A. it works :D
B. the axle getting into the gearbox is free (I doubt that)

WD40 is generally your friend and keep it smooth. 99% it will be fine eventually after all there's just two gears and axles in there :D

cheers

V.
 
Ive attached this photo (hopefully) of our winch. The part mentioned with the holes for manual use is welded to the side plate of the actual housing through a good few years of corrosion.. It was a complete nightmare to get the rope pulley off - and just looking at the axle stub once i got it off - it definately requires a load more grease - if anything it felt tacky instead of greasy. I cannot find any paperwork on this, or badges, markings - if anyone was able to identify a brand of this it'd be most appreciated!

windlass.jpg
 
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looks dangerously like my Lofrans Tigres. Check my thread for the details and the troubles of pulling it apart!

also looks toooooo close to the roller! HTF did it function on chain or rope????

V.
 
yes, post a few more pics, would be interesting to see if the motor has 2 or three poles.
Unless something is broken I'm pretty sure it's going to be okay.

V.
 
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