Recurring windlass problem

[sarbog]

So here is the problem that has happened 3 times now. Get to the anchorage. Power up the windlass and drop the anchor. I stop letting out rode and check to see how it is holding. Start to let out more rode and all I get is click, click ,click. When I try to retrieve, same thing..... click,click, click. Manually crank up the anchor.

Report the problem back at the marina and a few weeks later they say problem solved. Go out again and exact same result. Get it "fixed" a second time and, you guessed it, same issue next time out.
I do not understand and thus do not mess with electrical issues. I turn it over to someone more knowledgeable.

I no longer trust the windlass and use my spare anchor and just walk to the bow and toss it in. Since we're usually in 15-20 ft and good holding sandy bottom it isn't a big deal and I used this method the rest of the summer. However, it is a big deal that the dang thing won't work!!! I keep all systems functional whether I use them regularly or not.

Engine is always running when using the windlass and batteries were new this spring. Now that the season is winding down I want to get this resolved once and for all.

Thoughts? Suggestions??

 

[Irie308]

I had (have) similar issue with my windless however it would happen after several feet of rode was let out. I removed the motor and had it refurbished last season. This season the problem occurs similar to you however less frequently based on how much I'm putting out or retrieving. I thought it was fully fixed but still seems flakey so very interested in possible solutions.

 

[BigBoysToys]

Have you tried cycling the breaker once the clicking starts? That will likely get the windlass working again until the next time it starts clicking. Also, are you carrying the load on the windlass when at anchor or tying off the rode to a cleat?

 

[sarbog]

Frankly I've never gotten the anchor, and sufficient rode, set with the windlass working the whole time.

 

[scottrreiner]

So here is the problem that has happened 3 times now. Get to the anchorage. Power up the windlass and drop the anchor. I stop letting out rode and check to see how it is holding. Start to let out more rode and all I get is click, click ,click. When I try to retrieve, same thing..... click,click, click. Manually crank up the anchor.

Report the problem back at the marina and a few weeks later they say problem solved. Go out again and exact same result. Get it "fixed" a second time and, you guessed it, same issue next time out.
I do not understand and thus do not mess with electrical issues. I turn it over to someone more knowledgeable.

I no longer trust the windlass and use my spare anchor and just walk to the bow and toss it in. Since we're usually in 15-20 ft and good holding sandy bottom it isn't a big deal and I used this method the rest of the summer. However, it is a big deal that the dang thing won't work!!! I keep all systems functional whether I use them regularly or not.

Engine is always running when using the windlass and batteries were new this spring. Now that the season is winding down I want to get this resolved once and for all.

Thoughts? Suggestions??

I had similar problems with mine (have a 360DA with Lofrans Project 1000 windlass). It would do the click thing and run very slowly.

On mine, the problem ended up being that the brushes on the motor were a little worn and sticking in their guides. There is a very simple way to fix (assuming the brushes are not completely worn out). Take off the silver cover on the windlass motor (it is held on with 3-4 screws). You will see the brush assembly (there are several of them around the core). Take some electronics contact spray (or WD-40) and thoroughly spray the brush assembly and try and get the assembly to move a little in the guide. It will take a ton of fluid. Doing this fixed my problem - my windlass is now running like brand new.

 

[BlueYonder]

How old and what type batteries? Sounds like the windlass may not be getting enough power.

 

[sarbog]

batteries new last spring.