I noticed my anchor windless VW-800 leaks pretty bad around the black gasket. Look like the water is coming in from the rubber gasket. I plan on replacing the rubber gasket. Maxwell says I can also use a bead of silcone to seal it.
Anyone else have this issue?
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Jimmy,
Secondwind
Hull No. 2058
Was the VW-800 the one between the Bug and the Rabbit?
What the hell is a VW-800?
Cepheus dream
C36 MK I # 825
MK I Tech Editor No Mas
Maxwell Windless, sorry my bad!
Jimmy,
Secondwind
Hull No. 2058
The motor should come off to get the gasket out. I am thinking the the steal plate between the upper winch and deck is 5200ed in place, yes, no?
Can a bead of black boat life or silicone around the gasket work for a temporary fix?
Jimmy,
Secondwind
Hull No. 2058
Can you give us some info on your boat, year, hull number and how the windlass is mounted? There's different mounting methods for different years and without knowing what you have it's kind of difficult to answer. Maybe fill in a signature line in your User CP?
Hi BStreet,
Hull No 2058
Year 2002.
I would think all the Maxwell VW-800 windlass are mounted the same. You have to take the front of the v-berth apart to get to the motor.
It you sail in salt water even a small leak will cause the motor case to start rusting pretty good. There is a lot of flex in the hull causing the leak to allow more water into the boat in rough sea conditions. [B]I was thinking that if your are careful you can just tighten up the bolts to compress the gasket more, yes, no?[/B]
Jimmy,
Secondwind
Hull No. 2058
The foam gasket is NOT water proof between the windless and the steel plate. You need to run a bead of caulk around it to water proof the windless. Anyone else notice that the windless leaks?
To check:
1. Take the top wood panel off the front of the v-berth so you can see the bottom of the windless.
2. Put a hose in to the base of the windless from the aft side.
3. Turn on the water about 1/4 of the way.
4. Go below and check for leaks.
Mine was coming in pretty good. Catalina didn't seal the wood so a leak is a bad thing! Salt water coming in onto the windless motor not good too! :(
Jimmy,
Secondwind
Hull No. 2058