I'm dumb about my windlass
Posted by issue9mm@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 18 comments
My new-enough-to-me-that-I-don't-know-the-systems-yet boat is currently on the hard. It's a Beneteau 411. I'm eager to splash for the season, but I'm waiting on one more service and thought I would use the opportunity to re-mark the chain
But (and this is where you should all laugh at me) I don't know how I'm supposed to use the windlass on the hard. I thought that the windlass was something you usually operate with the engine running, no? Does it run off the battery, and the engine running is to keep the battery from draining? If I were plugged in, would the windlass work?
Am I missing something obvious? I'm not thrilled at the idea of letting the chain out and then having to haul it and the 65 pound anchor all back up by hand. The windlass is a Horizon Express, and it's operated by a Lewmar remote (if that helps in any way to inform how it might be wired)
garage149@reddit
I just did exactly this. As other folks have noted, A) you may have to disable an interlock which prevents the windlass from running when the engine is not, and B) it may take a lot of juice out of your batteries, so be prepared to recharge them after.
whyrumalwaysgone@reddit
Page 16: https://www.p2marine.com/documents/simpson-lawrence/simpson-lawrence-horizon-express.pdf
Shows you how to free drop the chain (carefully) to let it out.
Mark the chain, then use windlass to draw it back up.
Charter boats and some production boats have it wired so you can only use the windlass with engine running. You can pull a jumper to disable this, or sometimes leave the ignition key or switch in "on" position. Don't run your engine hauled out without providing water flow.
issue9mm@reddit (OP)
Thanks a million for the tip. Running the engine is definitely not going to happen. I don't know the electric components as well, but I'm not quite as dumb on diesel.
whyrumalwaysgone@reddit
Doing this without the engine running is actually a pretty good "load test" of your batteries. As batteries get older, capacity is reduced. If your bank doesnt have the juice to hoist the chain/anchor all the way without dying, thats good to know. Means you cant use the anchor under sail alone, for example. Better to find out now than off a beach sonewhere.
issue9mm@reddit (OP)
Great point. No idea how old it is, but it's still lead acid (I assume)
FutureConsistent8611@reddit
You can use a winch handle to release the clutch on the windlass and release the chain to let it drop. Once you're done you can haul it back in and tighten the clutch again.
issue9mm@reddit (OP)
Thank you so much.
Is the clutch in this photo somewhere?
redaction_figure@reddit
The clutch and gypsy are an assembly. Loosen the bolt going through the center of the assembly and you will have a free-wheeling gypsy.
As a side note, you should have a manual for that windlass or be able to access a manual online. It will explain how your windlass works. You also need to be performing periodic maintenance on your windlass too.
issue9mm@reddit (OP)
Perfect. Thank you again, so much.
redaction_figure@reddit
issue9mm@reddit (OP)
Bless you to the heaven of steak and potatoes
LimestoneSailingCo@reddit
I dont know your model of windlass but i think this is the clutch. Does it accept a ratchet or winch handle? Lefty-loosey, righty-tighty. :)
issue9mm@reddit (OP)
Thank you!
I'm sure it does, and I'm sure I've got the right wrench or key on board if it does, I've just never done it. Now that I know where to look it's just a matter of banging my head against it until something happens. :-)
pttrsmrt@reddit
The windlass draws a lot of current from the battery, so without an engine running it’ll quickly drain it and the shore power will use some hours to recharge it. But if there’s no load the battery will last so much longer.
So just uncouple the anchor from the chain, and everything becomes much easier. Maybe you don’t even need the windlass? But if you do, make sure your batteries are fully charged first.
issue9mm@reddit (OP)
Brilliant. I'll just tie it off to a cleat and work around it. Thank you ♥️
Ok_Copy_5690@reddit
Don’t listen to that guy. The chain will only add to the load for the 10 ft or so until it reaches the ground. The amount of current draw isn’t major for one out and back run while you mark the chain. Just charge your batteries after you’re done.
Difficult_Limit2718@reddit
Pro-tip: make sure the anchor is otherwise secure before disconnecting...
redaction_figure@reddit
The clutch and gypsy are an assembly. Loosen the bolt going through the center of the assembly and you will have a free-wheeling gypsy.
As a side note, you should have a manual for that windlass or be able to access a manual online. It will explain how your windlass works. You also need to be performing periodic maintenance on your windlass too.