Please help identify my windlass...

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Anchorsaweigh's picture
Anchorsaweigh
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Please help identify my windlass...

Here are three pictures. I have checked every Maxwell manual I can find here on the interwebs but none of them look like this. Surely I can't have the only 1999 36 MKII with this windlass.

Any help is appreciated.

Cheers

Bob

Lazybones - 1999 Catalina 36 MkII, M35B, #1731
E. Greenwich, RI
 

Haro's picture
Haro
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Hi Bob,
I have the same model C36 1999 and here is the manual for the windlass. You can verify the model by removing the boards at the V-birth and checking the its tag.
Haro.
 

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PDF icon Windlass 800 Manual1.27 MB
HowLin's picture
HowLin
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I also have a 1999 with the same windlass (but a different manual! - from 2002)...  mine is known at the "Freedom 800" model - tried to attach the file to this message, but unfortunately it exceeds the 2 Mb file size limit.  You can probably download it from the Maxwell website.

I dismantle and clean and grease the clutch faces every year and check the part known as.the pressure arm, which I've had to replace twice in 6 years...
 I've also changed the oil in the motor once.

Have fun...

---- Howard & Linda Matwick ----

--- S/V "Silhouette" - Nanaimo, BC ----

--- 1999  C36 MkII  #1776 M35BC ---

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jakez
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Hi Howard -
Got a question for you... and anyone else reading this thread who may have insight.   I also have the Freedom 800 windlass w/ capstan on my MKII (1836).  I purchased my boat two and half years ago and quickly learned that I could not release the chain to drop the anchor.  I could wind it down with a winch handle, but that's not efficient to say the least.  When I contacted the PO about it, he told me he'd never used the anchor... and he owned the boat for 12 years!  Most likely,  he never serviced the windlass.
So, I've got the manual, followed all the instructions and can't get the clutch to release, nor can I take the winch apart to lubricate / service it.  I assume that it's just fused together by years of salt and not being taken care of (visually, it looks great -- topside and finishes have been well cared for). 
So, before I give up and just get a new windlass, I wanted to make sure I'm doing what you do to take it apart:  I use a winch handle to loosen and remove the clutch nut from the top of the capstan.  I remove the bolt and washer holding the capstan on the top of the winch...  then I can't pull the capstan off.  I've tried using a large screw driver to gently separate the chain wheels, I've let it soak in PB Blaster to try to loosen things up, I even used a high power heat gun, but I can't seem to take it apart.  Just wondering how easily yours disassembles and if I'm overlooking something in my approach.
Thanks...
 

Jake Z
five o'clock somewhere
2000 Catalina 36 MKII
Hull #1836

HowLin's picture
HowLin
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The first time I disassembled it was difficult also, because it had not been apart before...
I assume that you have the chain/rope out?
The manual says it should all come out as one assembly, but the 1st time I had to "split" the assembly and in the process broke (and had to order a new) tube retaining collar along with a new pressure arm.  (should order two of these as seem to go every 3 - 4 years..)
The pressure arm may be binding or the shaft collar seized on - keep at it, wiggling and turning and gently prying - it will eventually slide up and out.
Once you have it apart it should be easy to do each year (greasing the clutch services should be an annual or at least every two years maintenance item)...

Here are some pictures after disassembly and before I cleaned the parts with kerosene and then re-greased the clutch surfaces.  I originally was re-assembling with a new pressure arm and grease touch-up, but relented and cleaned thoroughly before adding new grease!....
 

---- Howard & Linda Matwick ----

--- S/V "Silhouette" - Nanaimo, BC ----

--- 1999  C36 MkII  #1776 M35BC ---

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jakez
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Yep, you pretty much described the process I tried, but perhaps I didn't stick with the gentle prying long enough, or perhaps was a little too gentle for fear I'd break something.  I'll have another go...  I figure even if I break something I'm no worse off than I am now! 
Thanks for taking the time to reply...

Jake Z
five o'clock somewhere
2000 Catalina 36 MKII
Hull #1836

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Stevenjones
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Jake Z   This attachment may help you in maintaining your windlass.

Steven Jones

C36/375IA FaceBook group administrator

C36/375IA Jib Sheet Editor 2012

Seal Beach, CA, USA
C36 #2164 Maléna  2003 Mk-II SRig/FullK,  Long Beach, CA

stevenjones21@gmail.com

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HowLin
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Unfortunately a different winch assembly than the  "Freedom 800"..

 

---- Howard & Linda Matwick ----

--- S/V "Silhouette" - Nanaimo, BC ----

--- 1999  C36 MkII  #1776 M35BC ---

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PDF icon Manual - Freedom_Windlass .pdf1.7 MB
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Stevenjones
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Jake Z  
This step-by-step photo Maxwell VW-800 windlass maintenance attachment may help you 

Steven Jones

C36/375IA FaceBook group administrator

C36/375IA Jib Sheet Editor 2012

Seal Beach, CA, USA
C36 #2164 Maléna  2003 Mk-II SRig/FullK,  Long Beach, CA

stevenjones21@gmail.com

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Anchorsaweigh's picture
Anchorsaweigh
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Thanks guys!

Cheers

Bob

Lazybones - 1999 Catalina 36 MkII, M35B, #1731
E. Greenwich, RI
 

dpower
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Posts: 231
I had the same issue about the chain wheel. I was able to break mine loose from the clutch assembly by using a screw driver and working it in and then prying it off. After cleaning the surfaces and using wheel bearing grease, works great. The 2 chain wheel halves are held together by the snap bushing. You do not want to break that as you then need to replace it which isn't that easy. You really do not need the pressure arm, especially if you have all chain. It's purpose is to keep a rope rode against the mindless until the chain enters the mindless. You can always help the rope rode through until the chain comes up.

David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL

RBAdams111
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Hi all!  I have a Maxwell Freedom 800 with similar issues that I see posted here.  When I removed my chain wheel the snap bushing holding the two halves together broke.  I ordered a new snap bushing but that broke as well when I unsucessfuly tried to insert it - eventually using a rubber mallet, when broke it.  I am hoping you all have some hints on how to replace the snap bushing!  Thanks!  Russ

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jakez
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That's the same one I had on my boat - Freedom 800.  There is a pdf manual on their site - If I remember correctly, you have to look in their archive.

I replaced my with the Maxwell RC/8 (I think it was the RC8).  It fits right into the same space.  Easy retrofit.
 

Jake Z
five o'clock somewhere
2000 Catalina 36 MKII
Hull #1836

MIHOLD
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Posts: 2

Hello,

What size chain was this chainwheel for talking about in this thread?

I found this thread searching for my problem with freedom 800 windlass installed original on my boat with 10mm chain(3/8") which combination actually never existed , because max chain size for freedom is 8mm (5/16")?
My chainwheel has number 800 on it and 3/8" (10mm) chain.

Thank you.

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Siler Starum
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Posts: 113

normally at Maxwell winches the type of the winch is marked inside the slot for the handle.

Durk Nijdam
S/V "SILER"
Catalina 36MKII - 2001 / hullnr. 2013
Stavoren - Holland

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MIHOLD
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Yes, it's true! Mine is 800 and chain is 10mm(3/8") , which never existed?
Now I would like to know where the catch is?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFm4Jc4nvVs  here is video for proof mine is 800 with 3/8 chain...

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