Windlass problem

[SMC]

I posted this over the weekend at the end of a seperate thread, then later realized the thread I posted in was in the "holding tank" area, which probably isnt the best place for my question. Ill repost it over here and hopefully someone can help me

Ive somehow managed to get my Lofrans Marlin windlass jammed yesterday while pulling up the anchor. Ive also somehow managed to misplace the clutch handle which i was hoping to use to release the rode (although I'm not sure if thats even the right step to release the jam).

1. Will loosening the clutch release the jam or should I be trying something else?
2. If I have to buy a new handle to release the clutch, are these standard sizes that I can pick up at a local West Marine? Or will I need to order a replacement specific to my unit?

Thanks,

 

[r_moss]

My winch handle is stored in a clip inside of the rope locker.

 

[SMC]

Quick update for anyone else that looses their clutch handle. A standard winch handle sold for sail boats seems to work just fine. I picked one up at West Marine, paid $50 bucks for it then later realized as r_moss posted that the original was stored in the locker. Guess Ill be returning the one I bought from West Marine now.

Now i just need to figure out why the windlass still isn't working after I released the jam.

 

[250SLX]

Check the fuse.

 

[Asureyez]

Circuit breaker or weak batteries.

Also check the chain stack. If the chain stacks right to the sawse pip the chain backs up and jams in the gypsy.

 

[SMC]

It ended up being the breaker. Took me a bit to figure out where it was in the engine room. Its not that easy to reach in my 280 (port side all the way toward the front of the firewall). Two different fuses, one at the helm one in the engine room, plus the breaker. I was confusing breaker with the fuses, but after researching some more here on CSR was able to figure it out.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, glad thats fixed now!

 

[limitedwave@gmail.com]

I need to troubleshoot the exact same thing this weekend. My breaker switch on the dash isn't lighting up, no controls work. I'll be checking fuses first I think. Can anyone tell me what types of fuses to take to the marina?

 

[HighFlight2k2]

I'm sure with the age of your boat this wasn't your original problem, but my windlass kept jamming at the chain to rope splice. It was clearly the original splice and was so stiff it wouldn't track correctly and would jam when trying to pass into the locker. We rarely anchor in more than 20 feet of water so I only ever use half my anchor line. So I just cut the splice, reversed the line (the other end was like new surprisingly) and re-spliced using a tapered splice and it goes right through now. Considering I was close to just buying all chain, it was a pretty good result.

Jon