Broken Windlass??

[NoGin]

Good Windlass Anchor Auto up-Down:

So today the wife and I went out for a little get away from the kids. We dropped anchor. We were only in about 12 feet of water and the winds were pretty gusty. I set the anchor and made sure we weren't drifting. Once all was good I went below and started making some cocktails. After about 10 minutes my wife called me. We had drifted a good 50 feet directly between 2 large sailboats! Talk about lucky!!

Anyway, my windlass is neither working in up or down. I can manually pull the line out but that's about it. I checked the fuse in my Blue Sea Maxi Fuse Block and it's fine (30 amp). I removed the small 40 amp in line fuse directly at the positive end of the terminal to make sure that wasn't blown.

I do hear a click at the solenoids but no sign of her wanting to move in any way.

Please help as we are planning a nice trip tomorrow with the whole family (in-laws and all)!

Thanks.

 

[NoGin]

Re: Broken Windlass??

After reading through many other threads I think the reason for it's malfunction is b/c I never tied the line to the windlass cleat. I never did this before and honestly never thought to. I guess this was the first time I dropped anchor with the windlass in 15 + MPH winds. If that's the case and the windlass was shut down, any ideas what it is? Can't be a fuse or solenoid. Maybe I broke a gear or something???

 

[NoGin]

Re: Broken Windlass??

....bump... anyone ...... I really want to get this figured out this morning so please help.

thanks

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Broken Windlass??

You probably stripped a few teeth off a gear. This would allow the motor to run, but since the reduction gears and gypsy are not turning, you won't hear much noise out of the thing. That said, if it's a free-fall windlass, you may have jammed the free-fall mechanism. Either way, you are going to need to open it up and have a look inside. They are not terribly complicated, and can be repaired pretty easily.

What brand/model?

 

[NoGin]

Re: Broken Windlass??

You probably stripped a few teeth off a gear. This would allow the motor to run, but since the reduction gears and gypsy are not turning, you won't hear much noise out of the thing. That said, if it's a free-fall windlass, you may have jammed the free-fall mechanism. Either way, you are going to need to open it up and have a look inside. They are not terribly complicated, and can be repaired pretty easily.

What brand/model?

Thanks!


It's a Good Windlass
Not sure of the model but it is a late '80s
It does not have free fall, it's up/down control

 

[NoGin]

Re: Broken Windlass??

So you don't think it is a power supply issue right? I am going to go to the boat in an hour or so and attempt to find the problem. Like I said it does make a mutted clicking type sound when I press the toggle up and or down.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Broken Windlass??

From waht you wrote, it failed due to excessive pull. This (and the audible clicking) tend to rule out power supply problems. It really sounds like a mechanical failure to me.

I would not let it affect your plans for a day on the water. You can always anchor manually.

 

[NoGin]

Re: Broken Windlass??

Seeing as it's not a quick fit like a fuse I am going to manually anchor for the day. I am going to attempt to open up the windlass and check the condition to see if I see what it may be. Then I can tackle it during the week.

Thanks!

 

[Adjuster]

Re: Broken Windlass??

The clicking only means his solenoid is getting juice. His main juice may be out. There is always a circuit breaker on a windlass main juice. Auxiliary power from the switch is making the solenoid fire (clicking) which in turn makes the connection for the main power to the windlass motor. First thing to do is check the breaker and fuses, be aware there could be more than one in each line. Disconnect and reconnect all electrical connections cleaning the contacts and applying some dielectric grease for corrosion control.

 

[NoGin]

Re: Broken Windlass??

I didn't get a chance to look at it today as I spent the entire day with the fam on the boat just relaxing.

From what i can tell I have the windlass, then the motor which goes into the locker, then 2 solenoids then a long run to the battery with a tiny 40 amp in line fuse. There is also a thin gauge, maybe 12, that goes to the toggle switch.

What and where should I look? I didn't see any breakers. In fact, just has the toggle switch 30 amp fuse and in line 40 amp fuse right at the terminal end which is hooked directly to the battery.