'04 280 Windlass Removal

[DaleM]

I've looked through some threads and done searches and there's been "touches" of "how to remove the windlass" but I've not gotten a good feeling on how to do it.

I have a situation where the windlass operates slowly and sometimes not at all. I've validated that when the buttons are pressed, we're getting 12v to the motor. It looks like the motor is starting to go. All power cables were cleaned to rule out bad connections.

Has anyone removed a windlass in the above boat? I know I tried to find what holds the windlass to the hull and it seems like one heck of a challenge to get to.

If it can be removed, does anyone know if the motor and unit can be separated and serviced? The motor is most likely the culprit because I did see some corrosion on the motor housing itself.

Any tricks of the trade from those with any experience? (BTW, thank goodness this is my buddies boat and not mine )

 

[gnealon]

Dale, not sure about removal or motor... but are you 100% sure the battery is good?

 

[DaleM]

Does it not operate off of the same battery as the rest of the electrical systems? I assumed that it was operating off of the regular 12v batteries that are onboard. If they are then yes, they are ok indicating 14-16 volt on the meter as well as start his 8.1 no problem.

 

[gnealon]

Does it not operate off of the same battery as the rest of the electrical systems? I assumed that it was operating off of the regular 12v batteries that are onboard. If they are then yes, they are ok indicating 14-16 volt on the meter as well as start his 8.1 no problem.

Well... voltage is not always a good indicator of a good battery. It's how the battery handles under load. I am not sure of the configuration of the boat (house/engine) battery. But the windless could possibly be ran off the house bank. Since radio/lights don't need much juice he may not know if the battery is going bad. The windless is power hungry.

Anyways, just wanted to throw that out there. I am sure others will have better advice.

 

[DaleM]

That's good advice. I understand what you're saying though - if the battery can't source the required current it would essentially load down and in these things you need mega juice.

 

[DaleM]

My buddy just said both batteries were swapped last season so the likelihood of it being that is slim, but not impossible.

 

[gerryb]

DaleM, I've taken mine off about a dozen times now. Very easily actually. Just two small nuts (8MM i think?) and then slide the motor out pulling toward the front of the boat. The nuts are located on the op and bottom of the housing. Tips? A few. You'll have to turn your body around to getto the one nut as you have very little room down there. Clear out the anchor locker before you begin. You will drop one of the nuts or a washer down there and it is a bitch to find them with all the line and anchor there. Don't lose the key . It is a small metal piece located in the shaft of the motor that 'keys' it to the gear assembly. I use needle nose pliers and a small bent wrench to get to the two nuts, as well as fingers or course.

 

[DaleM]

it felt like there was a straight blade screw at the front side (facing front of the boat) of the motor. Is this correct?