Free Kit from LOFRANS

Hampton

Air Defense Dept
TECHNICAL Contributor
Nov 26, 2006
7,628
Panama City, Fl
Boat Info
2008 44 Sedan Bridge
Engines
Cummins QSC-500's
Straight Drives
I was ready to buy a pressure finger kit for my Lofrans Poject 1000 windlass after mine broke a couple of weeks ago. I decided to enquire about the kit and about my top, center fitting being broken off. The gentlemen that answered the e-mail stated that I didn't need the fitting and that he would send me a new finger kit for free.

Yesterday I received both the kit and a new fitting for the top (Unlock fitting).

Thanks for great customer service for a 5 year old windlass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Friend of mine has a Project 1 and the same thing happened, his broke, sent a new finger and the top locking screw/nut whatever it is called. But, his has broke/bent the finger again. He has had nothing but problems with his, not sure why but he is looking into repairing it once and for all with new parts and if needed a new windlass. Seems the Project 1 has some issue with this finger setup and the cover plate jamming the chain, which in turns bends the finger. If anyone knows what to look for when repairing please let me know and I will pass it along, and if I/He finds anything out I will let you know here.
 
My first one was plastic. The new one is metal - nice and shiny.
 
Hampton,
Are you sayiong you received the part directly from Lofrans? Or some other outlet or website?

I have the same issue on mine. The plastic pressure fing wore out and broke. Need to replace it with the new steel one (bad design I guess). What website dir you use?
 
The US distributor of Lofrans is IMTRA. Imtra.com is their website, but best bet is to call and speak to their customer service people. They are great, they helped me last year when I was having problems with our windlass.

henry
 
Henry,
Thanks for the quick reply! I called IMTRA (since Lofrans didnt anwers my email from last week). They said they would replace the part but it now costs $79. They stopped sending it out for free in January of this year. Thats still $20 off of their list price, and I couldnt find it anywhere else.

They do have great service and said it would be shipped out today.
 
They told me that they only replace the plastic fingers. My post was bent and I bought a complete assembly so I have a new post, spring and finger.
 
My Project 1000 plastic finger just broke off this weekend, just lovely trying to get the chain and rope back in this past Sunday.. Well I just called IMTRA and was told they no longer replace the defectively designed plastic fingers at N/C. Something about a $99 dollar kit. I am still waiting to hear back from my emails. My fingers are crossed, those who got their's replaced at N/C were indeed fortunate. I still can't believe it was made of plastic !! :huh:
 
**UPDATE** I can't say enough about the people at IMTRA and their great product support and friendly employee's. Even on their products out of warranty, such as mine, the people their still helped me out in getting the problem fixed and making sure I ordered the right replacement parts kit, etc. **UPDATE** IMTRA got back with me and made me a more than fair deal on getting a pressure finger kit replacement. Thanks IMTRA.com !!!
 
I can't believe all of these identical problems. I too had the plastic finger break two weeks ago, but I got the 'finger' from IMTRA to the tune of $79 for a new metal one. It seems as though they had a major design problem. Customer service was very good however.
 
Our Lock nut snapped but, unit work fine. Anchor pulled 135" with out problem. I ordered a replacement Lock nut ( On line ) for the magical $79.00 Hope I can get it a part easily to replace.
 
**UPDATE** I can't say enough about the people at IMTRA and their great product support and friendly employee's. Even on their products out of warranty, such as mine, the people their still helped me out in getting the problem fixed and making sure I ordered the right replacement parts kit, etc. **UPDATE** IMTRA got back with me and made me a more than fair deal on getting a pressure finger kit replacement. Thanks IMTRA.com !!!
How did you tension the new spring on the finger?
 
How did you tension the new spring on the finger?

The only way I was able to install it properly was by removing the drum, which allowed to swing the finger forward, without having any resistance from the spring. Once you have the finger and the spring in place, swing it back in it's usual position, then reinstall the drum and let go the finger to press against the drum.
 
The only way I was able to install it properly was by removing the drum, which allowed to swing the finger forward, without having any resistance from the spring. Once you have the finger and the spring in place, swing it back in it's usual position, then reinstall the drum and let go the finger to press against the drum.
Thanks for your previous responses. I assume the drum is bolted from below somehow? I can't see how to remove from the topsides.
 
The rare response to a 10 year old thread! Kudos Alex!!

Hey Todd. Yeah it helps when notifications work. And of course the question posted by MI Dreamin was just yesterday.

Thanks for your previous responses. I assume the drum is bolted from below somehow? I can't see how to remove from the topsides.

You need to use your crank handle that fits in the drum. I'm going to guess that you have Project 1000 like the one in this link: https://www.pleasureboatmarine.com/...ooglepepla&utm_medium=adwords&id=293946777986

If so, use the handle on the centered star-shape bolt to loosen the drum. Keep in mind that most like it's reversed thread. Meaning that to loosen, you'll need to turn the handle clockwise. Be careful not to snap the head of the bolt. Take small increments to make sure you're turning in the right direction. If you get stuck, folks at IMTRA can give you quick tips over the phone.

P.S. there's only one big bolt holding the drum on the shaft. The 4 bolts that go into anchor locker hold the actual motor. Don't loosen those.
 
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That's what I was implying. Usually when someone asks a question on a 10 year old thread they get no response. You were right on it once he did. Well done Alex!
 

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