windlass spring

K

kellertb

New Member
Jan 13, 2009
120
clearwater, fla
Boat Info
2005 390 sundancer
Engines
twin 8.1 liter HO gas engines
I have a 2005 390 sundancer. The other day I was raising the anchor using the windlass and I had to keep feeding the rope manually into the windlass or it would stop. Then I noticed a spring had popped out. Any ideas on where the spring came from?
 
Is there a spring on the little arm piece that holds the line to the windlass? If your windlass looks like this below the little arm on the port side of it should be able to be pulled out and sprung back with pretty good tension.

1890777_15.jpg
 
Carver370 said:
Is there a spring on the little arm piece that holds the line to the windlass? If your windlass looks like this below the little arm on the port side of it should be able to be pulled out and sprung back with pretty good tension.
Click to expand...

Is there a way to tighten that tension? I have noticed mine has gotten looser and if I put my finger on the 'little arm' when retrieving, it works much better.
 
I was actually wondering the same thing, it might just be you need a new spring. I run a 2000 460 Sundancer all the time and I find myself having to open the anchor locker and pull the line through the windlass to get it to keep biting the line and pulling it in. Once the chain is on there it is perfectly fine.

I just noticed this happening this year. I am sure the spring doesn't cost very much.
 
A new spring from Imtra may be needed if the spring has lost its temper. Those stainless springs are wimps. I've found that you can increase the spring force of a new or old spring if you remove the two bolts on top of the windlass cap, lift off the gipsy, and over-rotate the finger inwards, bending the spring. Some other causes for the rope hanging are wear on the rope, twist in the rope, and wear on the gipsy.
 
LifeisGood said:
Is there a way to tighten that tension? I have noticed mine has gotten looser and if I put my finger on the 'little arm' when retrieving, it works much better.
Click to expand...

I had this same problem on my Progress 1 windlass! I used to place my finger down there to hold the "little arm" against the line, until I looked at my fingers and realized how stupid I was being placing my hands so close to a very dangerous situation. With 10 fingers left Itwapped an e-mail off to IMTRA support and wasinformed of an update to my design with a different finger and a new, stronger spring. since I made this change my windlass has been perfect!
 
Thats good info, I will give shoot them an email soon and see what the suggest for a part number.
 
Carver370 said:
Thats good info, I will give shoot them an email soon and see what the suggest for a part number.
Click to expand...

Here is the e-mail they sent me for your reference-
"Imtra offers all these parts in a pressure finger rebuild/upgrade
assembly - part # LWPPFKITB. These are in stock and sell for $79.00.
You can shop online at www.imtra.com or call our order desk at
508-995-7000 to place an order."

Saves you some time!
 
Thanks for the info also. I've been having the same problem. Also, my rope to chain splice has become a frayed mess. I'm going to have the other end of the rode spliced on to the chain over the winter to even out the wear.
 
Carpedmman said:
I had this same problem on my Progress 1 windlass! I used to place my finger down there to hold the "little arm" against the line, until I looked at my fingers and realized how stupid I was being placing my hands so close to a very dangerous situation. With 10 fingers left Itwapped an e-mail off to IMTRA support and wasinformed of an update to my design with a different finger and a new, stronger spring. since I made this change my windlass has been perfect!
Click to expand...


That is great information and common sense!! :smt021

I will be emailing them soon!

Thanks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,241
Messages
1,429,115
Members
61,122
Latest member
DddAae
Back
Top