Maxwell Freedom 500

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richie30's picture
richie30
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Joined: 12/12/07
Posts: 158
Maxwell Freedom 500

I have never used my windlass, other than wrapping the anchor line aroung the winch portion any using it as a power assied winch to pull it up.

I can even pull up chain that way if I'm careful.

The unit came with the boat, Catalina 36 MK 2 1998

Now I would like to properly use it.

Do I need all chain or can I feed both rode and chain through it?

Is it strong enough for chain?

How do I release it to drop the anchor or can I add a reverse switch to it?

Last question ( I promise)
If I was to start over do you have a recommendation that would be an easy install utilizing the existing hole in the anchor locker lid?

Many Thanks!

Rich
 

Rich

Richard & Joan Bain
PAZZO Hull#1670
1997 Catalina 36 MK11
Bayfield, Ontario

My Day Job Below
www.richardbain.com
www.bineapress.com

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Sojourn
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Joined: 7/14/08
Posts: 163

Hi Rich,

That quite a lot of questions.  First off, I have attached the manual for that model.  As to your winch, yes it can work with both chain and nylon rope.  They must be 1/4" chain and 1/2" rope.  There is circuit diagram in the manual.  Generally speaking it is best to set up the winch with both up and down controls, foot pedals or a pendant.  I have a Maxwell VW 1000 an it works that way.  
 
Now for some thoughts.  For our sized boats, that chain and rope combination is probably too small.  The safe working load of the chain is about 2/3's of the normally recommended size (5/16").  It should be noted that winches are generally sized to chain/rope size and the dead weight the winch should be used to lift.  By that I mean what is the max weight you might need to raise the entire anchor system, anchor, chain, rope and shackles.  Winch manufacturers recommend the 25% of the winches rating.  In other words 125lbs for your size winch.  The weight of the chain is 0.73 lbs per foot.  The rope is about 0.06lbs per foot.  

As the chain and rope are feed into a single opening and can not be unloaded from the winch itself, it is necessary to have a method of unloading the winch once at anchor.  The best way is a combination of either cleat if the rope is visible or a chain stopper if the chain is visisble.  Once the rode is secured, reverse the winch enough to create slack between the securing mechanism and the winch itself.  That save the clutch. 

Without further information, that's all I say at this time.

Lou Bruska
Sojourn
1985 C36 Mk 1, hull 495
 

Lou Bruska
Sojourn
1985 C-36 Mk-I TR #495
Eldean Shipyard
Lake Macatawa (Holland, MI) Lake Michigan
Rallyback@comcast.net

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dpower
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Joined: 6/20/08
Posts: 231

Rich, we have a '98 too, #1687, with the same windlass. It is designed to use both chain and rope.  However, you will need a good chain/rode splice.  It gets pretty stiff and if I have to feed it through the windlass, I will help it get through the opening and around and back out.  Once retreiving the rode, it works better to keep some tension on it so the wheel can grab it and keep hold of it.  The windlass is designed to have a pressure arm that pushes the rode up against the wheel.  We have gone through two of them and it is easier for us to not replace that arm.  It's not need for the chain.  As to wether it's strong enough, we use a 44 lb Bruce.  So, you are lifting the anchor plus what ever the length of the chain.  We are in southwest Florida so our anchorages do not exceed 15 feet.  We do not have a down switch , although I have at times considered it.  But, with our system, we don't need it.  As we come into an anchorage, with my wife at the helm, I will manually move the anchor off the roller and let it hang down a foot or so.  The windlass is tightened down to hold it.  Once arrived, I use a winch handle in the capstan and lessen the pressure to the point the anchor slowly drops.  When it is on the bottom, I further release it so the chain pays out as we back down.  Our chain and rode are marked so I have a good idea as to how much is out.  I then wrap the chain or rode around the cleat in the anchor locker and secure it, leaving some slack between the cleat and the windlass.  Make sure there is an anchor swivel for the chain attachment to the anchor.  I can't address your last question.

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

richie30's picture
richie30
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Joined: 12/12/07
Posts: 158

Great information!! Thank you!
Rich

Rich

Richard & Joan Bain
PAZZO Hull#1670
1997 Catalina 36 MK11
Bayfield, Ontario

My Day Job Below
www.richardbain.com
www.bineapress.com

dpower
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Joined: 6/20/08
Posts: 231

Rich, just thought of two more things.  First, when on all anchor, make sure you use a snubbed line which transfers strain on the chain to the bow cleats. Also, another option for lowering the anchor, I have seen another 36 owner to step on the side of the Capitan base and control the drop by letting up on the pressure of the foot.

David

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

Haro's picture
Haro
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Joined: 11/7/14
Posts: 403

Also see this link for all of your questions
http://mei1970.org/saillavie/Windlass_and_Anchor
Haro

Siler Starum's picture
Siler Starum
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Joined: 4/20/18
Posts: 113

Weard that there is such a small anchor winch fitted on your 1998-MK2. The size chain which can be used is almost useable as a necklace.
Are you sure it is a model 500? On our MK2 (2001) we have a model 800 fitted. 
 

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

cmhuber
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Joined: 2/15/14
Posts: 18

part number 14 in the freedom manual is a critical piece for the operation. The pressure spine is plastic. You might want to confirm yours is intact before attempting to use the windlass. I have an extra one in my small spare parts bin on the boat. Crazy design relying on a plastic arm to provide tension inside the windlass. 

Chuck Huber
Sugaree
C36 MKII 2000
#1887
Tall Rig, Wing Keel
Boat Location: Saugatuck, MI

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HowLin
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Joined: 1/12/12
Posts: 355

For sure,  I have to replace that crazy plastic/fglass pressure arm almost every year!

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

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

--- 1999  C36 MkII  #1776 M35BC ---

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