Another windlass question

[Polaris]

Today took crew around local waterway so they could do water sampling, which entailed frequent anchoring and then slow cruising to the next location. After about 6 stops the windlass stopped working - it would sound like it was starting but then just quit. As we were in shallow water we just pulled up the anchor. Then I realized the windlass had a place to put a winch handle so tried that, with no luck. It would not budge.

I think (!) my basic issue was letting the battery get low (even though I revved the engine in neutral) - sound right?

But my question is how do you use the winch handle as a fall back? Can't find anything in the manual.

 

[JimG]

It will depend on your brand of windlass, but for my Antares you flip the lock lever and turn the gypsy 2 turns CCW to release the clutch, and then CW with the handle to weigh the anchor.

You can find the manual for your windlass at the manufactures website.