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Well done. I have the same windlass on my Island Packet 27 Auxiliary Cutter. When it worked, it was a back saver. However, over time, it has become more difficult to use. I think I will need to disassemble my windlass as you have done. I find it not very efficient that the windlass must be completely taken apart to facilitate greasing/lubrication.
ALSO the mechanical advantage is quite low, 440lbs or so. This makes it not very efficient while retrieving a chain rode and anchor in strong winds for a solo sailor. Also chain retrieval speed is quite slow, making anchor retrieval in crowded anchorage a bit anxious.
Still, it gets the job done.
Thanks for this blog topic. Well done!
Cheers Mel IP 27 80 currently in Mexico.
Thanks for the comment! I agree that there are probably better windlasses out there for larger boats. For my 45 pound CQR on my 32 foot boat, it works fine though. The only drawback is the slow speed.
ReplyThe problem with the winches is that the Nylon bushes swell and tighten on the gears and shafts journal’s working much like a brake becoming increasingly more difficult to operate through time. I have just stripped mine reamed out the bushes and reassembled, the winch came with the yacht which was made in 1988 so can’t complaign much, it the bushes tighten again I might make bronze ones or go electric. note Nylon bearings on rudders suffer the same problem.
ReplyThank you, this has been so helpful and gave me the courage to take mine apart.
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