New topic - Windless does not grab the line all the time

[dad's turn]

I got so much great help the last time I thought I would try it again. Now I noticed that the line does not grab all the time. It looks like the drun should adjust but I could not find any. Then when I finial get to the chain it jams everytime for the first 3".

Here's what else I can tell you I'm a 300 sundancer new to me 1 year ago this past 4th was the first time on the hook.

So here are my questions- Can the line be to stiff, so the windless won't grab it or so it won't enter the locker smoothly.

Original own says the line was from the factory.

Thanks in advance for all the great answers.

 

[CJ Martin]

I had this problem with the 320DA last year. The solution was new rode. Haven't had a bit of trouble since, and we anchor out a LOT. I previously replaced a worn windlass spring finger but that did not fix it.

If you go this route, be sure to buy the right size rode. For the 320DA I think it was 7/16". The other trick is splicing the new rode onto the chain so that it will go through the windlass. I have a friend who is pretty handy at that sort of thing so that only cost me a six-pack. :wink:

-CJ

 

[Hampton]

On my 250, the rope never fed through the windlass without someone pusing against the spring lever with the sole of their shoe (10 years worth). The chain would occassionally jam, but that could be corrected by going back and forth a little.

On my 340, it always works great with both the rope and chain rode sections. It's a heavier duty windlass that spins much faster. The rode doesn't have a chance - it has to travel.

 

[jackson]

windlass

I had the same problem and replaced the finger on the windlass. Lofrans sells a finger replacement kit.

 

[dad's turn]

Hi Jackson. What's chance you were in Boston Sunday @ Tavern on the water?

 

[Asureyez]

Rope to Chain Splice

The typical splice I've seen on stock SR Anchor rode is a three strand line is un twisted and looped through the last link and spliced back onto its self . There is no thimble between the last chain link.

One certainty is three strand will get stiff, really stiff. The issue seems to be in old rode. The rode splice is twice as stiff as the unspliced line and the whole rig is too stiff to reeve through the gypsy smoothly. The gypsy chews on the rode and it begins to fray as well.

When the rode is drawn in it runs in okay until the gypsy gets to the splice then it hangs on the splice or the first few links of chain. The chain hangs because the rode is stff and prevents the chain from turning naturally and lining in the gypsy. Another issue is the rode becomes so stiff it won't self flake in the anchor well smoothly and it clogs in the pipejamming the windless.

The fix ... a new rode spliced to the old chain, or an all chain rode.

 

[dad's turn]

Hi Chad, Thanks for the info, Your description is just what is happening. Does the finger have any real play in this problem? If not I will be on my way to all chain.

 

[Hampton]

All chain is a lot of weight in the bow of the 300. Also, regarding replacing the finger, I did that on my 250 and it didn't make any difference. The 250 windlass was just too light weight to function with the rope.

I think your best bet is to replace the rope, as others have advised.

 

[dad's turn]

Just a breif update... Talked to the factory rep today, He expanded to me why the rode slips. The first problem is the finger and the second reason is the line has stiffend up.

Heres what he said. replace the finger and soak the rode in fabric softner for the night.

I will update on Wednesday after the finger in installed.

 

[Alex D]

Re: New topic - Windless does not grab the line all the tim

I got so much great help the last time I thought I would try it again. Now I noticed that the line does not grab all the time. It looks like the drun should adjust but I could not find any. Then when I finial get to the chain it jams everytime for the first 3".

Here's what else I can tell you I'm a 300 sundancer new to me 1 year ago this past 4th was the first time on the hook.

So here are my questions- Can the line be to stiff, so the windless won't grab it or so it won't enter the locker smoothly.

Original own says the line was from the factory.

Thanks in advance for all the great answers.

A common problem with the Progress windlass from IMTRA.
You can soak your rode in fabric softener to keep it a little more pliable. Also, frequent use in freshawater has softened mine again that only the rarely used bitter end is still stubborn. If you need a new rode, IMTRA sells the origial OEM 340 DA rode they supply to Sea Ray (200' rope plus 20' chain) for $167.50 plus $20 shipping