I've got a horizontal mount maxwell 1200 that pulls 100 ft of 5/16 chain. My chain jumps off the gypsy a lot both on lowering and retrieving. I notice that the chain lengths don't fit down completely snug in the places for them on the wheel. Could I have a chain wheel, (gypsy) that is too small? I've removed it and can find no markings on it indicating anything. My chain lengths measure 5/16 dia (maybe slightly more) and have a mark on them that looks like "G4". How do I know for sure if I've got the right wheel. and if its wrong, where can I get the right one? All help appreciated as usual.
Thanks
Sam:confused:
—
Capt. Sam Murphy
1994 Catalina 36, Hull 1327
Shoal draft, two cabin model.
Panama City, Florida
My answer is the not the expert one you might need, but it sure sounds like the gypsy does not match the chain and that will never work. Can you make accurate measurements of several chain links with a good caliper and compare them to the standard chain dimensions listed on the Internet?
Once you confirm exactly what chain you have, then you can contact the windlass manufacturer regarding the gypsy. Good luck.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
I have a Maxwell VW1500, also mounted horizontally. Mine will occasionally slip also. I think this is the nature of the beast with a horizontally mounted windlass, as the chain only wraps around 90 degrees vs. 180 degrees for a vertical. I chartered a C42 in the BVIs that had the same setup, but it had an 'idler' wheel below the windlass, mounted so the wheel was more or less even with the front of the windlass. This caused the chain to wrap 180 degrees. I had no problems with that setup and I had a lot of chain out a couple times. I plan to retrofit a similar setup on my C36.
As to the chain wheel size; the manual lists only a single part number, while advising that you have to make sure to have the right chain/wheel combination. So confusing. I bought a foot of 5/16 G4 chain to make sure, before buying 100 feet; it fit perfectly. So that's the right size for my windlass, with the chain wheel supplied.
I think the only way to clear it up is to contact Maxwell and ask. The manual is confusing; if there was more than one chain wheel size, you'd think they'd list more than one part #, since they do so for other parts.
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay
Thanks Duane and Gary for your comments. Yes surely calling Maxwell is the right thing to do. I did that today and this is what I know so far. When one orders a new windlass from them, they need to have either the exact chain measurements sent (website has a spread sheet for this purpose) or preferably a length of chain sent. Then they can select the proper gypsy. (sometimes they call it chain wheel, sometimes Gypsy) Gary, even though only one part number is shown on the parts schematic, there is a wide choice ( 6 maybe?)of gysys to choose from. The gypsy is marked on the inside with a stamp (very hard to read on mine unless I remove the wheel and get it in good light.) When I call them back with the exact chain dimensions and the stamped number, they will tell me if I've got the right one or not.
I hope to get that chore done tomorrow.:cool:
Capt. Sam Murphy
1994 Catalina 36, Hull 1327
Shoal draft, two cabin model.
Panama City, Florida
Sam,
Take a look at the third post in this C42 discussion:
[URL]http://catalina42discussionforum.yuku.com/reply/8687/maxwell-windlass#re...
Garry Willis is a former C36 and C42 owner in the LA area. His idea has been copied by many with excellent results. I think he had the piece made by Garhauer. In fact, I'll bet that if you call Garhauer and ask for the Garry Willis anchor chain roller, they will know exactly what you are talking about. Hope this helps.
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
That's exactly the setup I was referring to in my earlier post, on a chartered C42. Worked well.
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay
Attached is a spreadsheet I got from Maxwell a few years ago when I upgraded the windlass, it lists all the chainwheels for the windlasses that were in production then. Hopefully it will still be of some value. Would have uploaded this earlier but was away at the boat show.
Thanks for all the good comments and advice on this issue. Just what I've come to expect from this great group of sailors. Just to close out this issue, at least on my end. I spoke with "Tim" at the Maxwell dealer in Riviera Beach, Fl, who confirmed that my gypsy (stamped "108") is the correct one for 5/16 High Test chain, which is what I have. Although he said that the 108 was no longer available and a newer model would probably fit better. He quoted a price for the newer edition that was something over $300. For that much money I can live without it. So I think its probably right that with only the 90 degree engagement, that's the nature of the beast. I also called Garhauer to get a quote on the "Willis" custom made roller. I'm waiting for an answer And I think I'll for that if its not too expensive.
Thanks again.
Sam
:)
Capt. Sam Murphy
1994 Catalina 36, Hull 1327
Shoal draft, two cabin model.
Panama City, Florida
Glad to read you have a plan now, Sam. Good luck.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/