Windlass separated from its motor. Fixable

[skunkman]

The top part of my windlass separated from the windlass motor in the rode hatch. Can this be repaired. The motor still spins when turned.

 

[Henry Boyd]

Pictures would be a big help. On the Lofrans on our 280 and the Lewmar on the Sabre, the motor was/is bolted to studs that are attached to the the gypsy on the top side of the forward deck. Undo the nuts and the motor just drops. If you are doing this intentionally make sure the wires are disconnected first the little sucker is heavy and reaching through the anchor locker hatch is not the best leverage.

 

[skunkman]

All four studs sheared off. Would you drill out and tap for new ones

 

[Henry Boyd]

All four studs sheared off. Would you drill out and tap for new ones

Yikes!

I think you need to pull the gypsy assembly off of the top of the hull. That will allow you to determine how the stud is attached to the assembly, as well as being infinitely easier to work on. Its also going to tell you if there is any fiberglass damage as well as the extent of any damage to the gypsy assembly.

My thought would be that if the studs can't be easily replaced, or if there is damage to the gypsy, or motor, a new windlass might be in order. I had issues with the 280 windlass and when I did the research a replacement motor was nearly the same as a whole new windlass.

Keep in mind if you have an older Lofrans parts might not be available. Also if you do have a Lofrans the hardware is metric. Won't impact cost, but will make buying the right stuff easier.

 

[skunkman]

The Gypsy and motor are fine besides the studs being sheared off in the Gypsy. I am going to try to drill them out and replace with new studs.

 

[skunkman]

I don’t think an extractor will work

 

[skunkman]

I was wrong. The extractor pulled the broken studs right out. I made new studs from ACE. Almost back together. thanks

 

[techmitch]

I was wrong. The extractor pulled the broken studs right out. I made new studs from ACE. Almost back together. thanks

Glad this project is going well for you. Gotta ask, what happen?

 

[skunkman]

My guess is the Gypsy studs loosened and then sheared with movement. I will check the tightness going forward