Anchor Windlass Repair

[guitarfish]

Thank you to Paul of boatservices.com for helping me with my first post on CSR! New problem: (Anchor Windlass Problem): I have a 1990 27 Sundancer, bought used in 2009. (Previously) When I hit the "down" position on my anchor switch, the anchor would release, and go into "free spool" (for lack of a better term). Now, more recently, when I hit the "down" switch, the anchor will go down, but not in "free spool", and it will go down only as fast as the motor will allow it. My local mechanic said parts are probably not available, and I should probably just consider a new windlass. Does anyone know of a rebuilding service, preferably on the West Coast? Or any other suggestions? Thanks, Pete (Guitarfish)

 

[fwebster]

Please tell us what brand of windlass you have, then perhaps someone can help you. This could be something as simple as a broken spring.

 

[guitarfish]

Thanks, Frank; as soon as I get a chance I'll check the brand; thanks again.

 

[tbirdvet]

Are you sure the clutch is adjusted correctly? On mine if you back off the hub it can go in free fall or tighten up and it grabs.

 

[MrFL54]

If yours is a GOOD windlass I just rebuilt mine. Ordered parts from GOOD. Have picts of the parts that pertain to free fall.

 

[matthewmiller01]

Is the windlass supposed to allow freefall of the anchor? I recently bought a 2008 290DA and I have only lowered my anchor with the motor. I have never heard one way or another about if it should be able to freefall (other than pulling the chain/line off the windlass and letting go). If it is supposed to be able to freefall, how do I do make that happen? Is it a better technique to allow the anchor to freefall when anchoring? I don't know the brand of my windlass... I'll have to check when I go back down to the boat. I'll update later. Thanks in advance.

 

[tbirdvet]

I would suggest finding out the brand and see if you can download the manual. The manual will explain how your specific clutch should work. Most hubs when backed off allow the free fall position although I prefer to use the button and let it out slowly.