windlass

[shanegoodhand]

My anchor windlass works fine with the electric motor, but when I wind it manually (winch handle slots into the top) it seems to tighten itself down making it very hard to wind due to friction - even with no load on the chain.

I've stripped, cleaned & greased it which helps for a couple of uses but then it reverts back again.

I think it's a Simpson Lawrence. The motor is 1Kw. It's a least 5 years old.

Sorry for the lack of info, but I forgot to write the make & model down before I left the boat for the winter.

Any ideas?

Thanks, Shane

www.janixlogblog.blogspot.com

 

[Zippysigma]

I have a similar windlass and stripped the top section down last week. From memory, the chamfered circular part of the gypsy should tighten on the chamfered edge of the spindle. This then allows the spindle in the electric motor to turn when you turn the handle.

Mine turned so freely, that I could turn it by hand.

I wonder if the gypsy is fouling on something else, eg one of the 2 plastic parts that keep the chain / line free (did you clean these?) Or any part of the anchor locker or wooden base?

Good luck!