Powerwinch Windlass motor runs, but doesn't engage

[DanW]

Hello all,

There are a lot of threads on windlasses, but after searching for almost an hour, I couldn't find my problem. I have a Powerwinch 603 windlass on my 1988 340 Sundancer (I think it's original to the boat). After the last time I dropped the anchor, I am unable to retrieve it. The motor runs in both the up and the down switch positions, but the drum doesn't rotate. I looked for a solenoid behind the switch at the helm and in the anchor locker, but didn't find anything. I'm not familiar with how these work and I couldn't find a way to look inside the windlass without removing part of the headliner in the v-berth. What causes the drum to engage? Is it accessible or has the windlass seen it's last anchoring?

I have included a picture of the windlass in case identifying it helps.



Thanks,
Dan

 

[dpmulvey]

Is there a clutch adjustment?

 

[DanW]

Not that I can tell. There is no easy access to the motor. If you remove the side panel that you can see in the picture, the only thing you have access to is drum that pulls up the rope. There is a wall that sections off the motor, clutch, etc.

 

[techmitch]

Hope this helps. http://www.tesstools.net/Powerwinch_Windlass_603_Parts_List_p/603pl.htm

 

[DanW]

Thanks Mitch. It helped confirm that I don't think there is any way to access the motor of this windlass without pulling off the headliner in the v-berth. I was trying to avoid that. I had already found an exploded view, but this is a better one. I appreciate your help. Maybe I will try calling PowerWinch and see if they are any help.

Dan

 

[mjh7111]

Searching this site for tips on windlass issues and I saw you live in Isleton, lived there for a minute in 84/85, (think Humphrey the hump back whale time) on the towns ranch while chasing drilling rigs. My wife worked at the point restaurant. Cool little town.

 

[DanW]

Yes, it is a nice town. I mostly just drive through on my way to the nearby marina, but we stop by for lunch or dinner sometimes. The Point Restaurant in Rio Vista recently reopened after being closed for about a year.

Dan

 

[bobct]

Dan,

i just posted a video on YouTube, do a search on Powerwinch 603.

Bob

 

[DanW]

Bob,

Thanks! That was very helpful. Luckily, ever since I whacked it good with a hammer, it's worked great. I'm sure it was that worm gear stuck in the out position. But I'll reference this if I ever need to do more repairs. The only bad part about my windlass is it appears the only way to remove it is to pull the headliner in the v-berth back about 6 inches. But I'll cross that bridge later.

Thanks again!

Dan