Almost a huge problem!!

[deerock]

while anchored among 60-70 boaters watching the air show at Jones Beach Long Island I decided it was time to head home. Using my windlass to bring up my anchor the splice between my rope and chain repeatedly couldn't get through the gypsy and a constant jam up at the windlass. Now I have the anchor in the water , 15 feet of chain in the water, drifting pretty quick, and a running motor among a ton of anchored boats. I had to run up to the bow and manually pull the anchor in. Please help!! What do I need to do to fix this problem?? The anchor rode and chain are 3 years old and the windlass works perfectly....

Thanks!!:huh:

 

[Turtlesboat]

You need to have the rope re-spliced to the chain. The splice gets worn out over time and gets hung up.

 

[Steeled]

Had this problem once with my Chaparral with the Simpson-Lawrence windlass. It turned out to be that the line/chain was piling up below the windlass and binding at teh gypsy. Try checking your anchor locker and spreading out the line/chain. Never happened again after I did this. Good luck.

-Ed

 

[comsnark]

Are we sure the spring on the windlass "gripper thing" isn't getting bit weak? I know I have that problem.

 

[scootdogg]

i just give a light pull when it gets to that spot and then it will grab the chain.

 

[Lord Farringdon]

Have the same problem. Using the bow operated windlass controls I just push my foot up against the 'dog' and the windlass grabs. Yes, I wear a boat shoe and I am careful not to get foot and chain near each other. It is a pita though because you have to leave the helm at a time when wind, tide and the close proximity of other vessels can all conspire against you in vary short time.

Terry

 

[annie]

I found this..... http://www.anchoring.com/article_info.php?articles_id=5
It looks like it might help as the splice tapers away at the entry point to the windlass.

 

[Skeetobite]

I've had all of the first three responses above cause this. Not all at once, but each one has the same affect. 1) Check the splice. I paid a guy $15 to re-splice mine. 2) check the spring on the tension arm. This looks like it's so weak that is does nothing! 3) Line piled up under the windlass.

 

[Jim M]

I changed my spring last summer on the tension arm. Much better now.

 

[techmitch]

The $6.00 spring will fix your problem if the splice is in good shape.