JVM225
Well-Known Member
About 4 or 5 years ago I replaced the original (non-functioning) Benson windlass on my 87 300 Sundancer with a Freefall type made by Powerwinch. It is capable of doing both rope and chain which I really like. But, the unit itself is a piece of junk.
I had a problem with it when it was less than a year old, called them up, and they referred me to a local authorized service guy for warranty work. I called the guy, explained the problem (a broken spring for the guide finger) and tried to make an appointment with him. The guy's schedule was pretty full and it would have been a couple of weeks before he could get to me so I called the company back, asked them to ship me the parts, and I fixed it myself. Anyway, during the conversation with the service guy (who seemed like a nice guy) he told me that he wouldn't put one of them on his worst enemy's boat because they are unreliable junk now that they were bought out by an RV company.
After a few years with this thing I tend to agree with him. It never Freefalls. I always need an assistant to hit the down button while I fool around with the anchor up on the bow getting it to release. I usually have to yank it loose.
When it comes time to retrieve it I always need an assistant to hit the up button in short 5 second bursts while I guide the anchor line. Anything past 5 seconds and the thing loses steam. I have to let it rest for 5 or 10 seconds and then retrieve a little more.
Note: that I use my engines to create slack and never strain the windlass by pulling the boat with it. Plus, once I'm anchored I take the strain off of the windlass by securing the anchor line to a cleat.
I think I've finally had enough and want to cut my losses. I want to be one of those guys who anchoring is a one man job for.
I want something that will handle rope and chain, freefall reliably if possible, and be able to retrieve without taking rests.
I was wondering what other Classic Sea Ray guys are using, and how it's working for them. I figure by now that most of the original Benson Windlasses have met their demise, especially since the company is long gone and parts are nearly impossible to find.
I had a problem with it when it was less than a year old, called them up, and they referred me to a local authorized service guy for warranty work. I called the guy, explained the problem (a broken spring for the guide finger) and tried to make an appointment with him. The guy's schedule was pretty full and it would have been a couple of weeks before he could get to me so I called the company back, asked them to ship me the parts, and I fixed it myself. Anyway, during the conversation with the service guy (who seemed like a nice guy) he told me that he wouldn't put one of them on his worst enemy's boat because they are unreliable junk now that they were bought out by an RV company.
After a few years with this thing I tend to agree with him. It never Freefalls. I always need an assistant to hit the down button while I fool around with the anchor up on the bow getting it to release. I usually have to yank it loose.
When it comes time to retrieve it I always need an assistant to hit the up button in short 5 second bursts while I guide the anchor line. Anything past 5 seconds and the thing loses steam. I have to let it rest for 5 or 10 seconds and then retrieve a little more.
Note: that I use my engines to create slack and never strain the windlass by pulling the boat with it. Plus, once I'm anchored I take the strain off of the windlass by securing the anchor line to a cleat.
I think I've finally had enough and want to cut my losses. I want to be one of those guys who anchoring is a one man job for.
I want something that will handle rope and chain, freefall reliably if possible, and be able to retrieve without taking rests.
I was wondering what other Classic Sea Ray guys are using, and how it's working for them. I figure by now that most of the original Benson Windlasses have met their demise, especially since the company is long gone and parts are nearly impossible to find.
