I have recently purchased my C36 MKII (2000)... I cannot figure out how to drop the anchor! I'm not new to sailing or boats, but this one has got me stumped, as well as a couple of other owners of C36s and C42s. I know how to turn on the power. I have the "up" only soft button in the locker. The chain goes through the windlass and has a hard plastic cover over it, so I can't pull it off the windlass. (others I've seen you just release the chain, but I can't figure out how to get to it on mine) I can manually turn the winch with a handle backwards to lower the anchor, but obviously that's not practical. I've looked for a switch that reverses the motor in the locker and even the cockpit... nothing I can find. I emailed the PO and he told me that he had no idea... in the 12 years he owned the boat, he never dropped the anchor once. I assume someone must have the same set I do.... Anyone have info on this?
Jake Z
five o'clock somewhere
2000 Catalina 36 MKII
Hull #1836
Hi Jake, and welcome.
If you post the make and model of your windlass, and pictures if possible, you'll have a better chance of getting a solution.
I would look for a clutch (usually like a large nut) that when released allows the chain and anchor to free fall.
Nick Tonkin
*Former* Website Administrator, C36/375IA
*Former* owner, C36 tr/fk #255, Santa Barbara, CA
No promise its the same but we have a 2000 MkII and it came equipped with a Maxwell Freedom 800. You might look online at the documentation on the Maxwell site and see if it describes your windlass. If so, you should be able to lower the anchor by using a winch handle placed in the top of the capstan - center, not the outside. This is a clutch nut and rotating it counter clockwise should release the rode. We added a down foot switch which makes anchoring close to effortless.
Mike Ogline
SHADOW #1831
2000 SR/WK
Deltaville - Chesapeake Bay
Yep... I do have the Maxwell Freedom 800... and I've rotated it counter clockwise, but I think that since it hasn't been used in so long it needs some lubrication to release the chain. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
Jake Z
five o'clock somewhere
2000 Catalina 36 MKII
Hull #1836
The Freedom series are primarily designed for up/down electrical operation. Free fall of the anchor is supported by inserting the handle into the clutch nut (the center receptacle) and rotating it counterclockwise to loosen, clockwise to tighten. If the chain does not fall when the clutch nut is loosened, then the clutch cone is likely not releasing and needs to be disassembled/cleaned/lubricated.
http://www.maxwellmarine.com/downloader.php?i=127
Nick Caballero
Retired C36/375IA Mk II Technical Editor
[quote=jakez] I emailed the PO and he told me that he had no idea... in the 12 years he owned the boat, he never dropped the anchor once.[/quote]
You have identified the problem.
Sounds familiar, I had the same situation.
I took the whole capstan/gypsy assembly apart, cleaned and greased it. Works great now.
The owners manual for my windlass (Maxwell 800) recommends servicing annually.
You can download the manual online.
Iti Motu
2006 MK ll
M35 BC,
Standard Rig w/LeisureFurl Boom
Flex-o-fold 3 blade 15/9
Rocna 15
Sail #2263
Assuming at this point you have something like this (Maxwell Freedom): http://fishing-catalog.com/windlass/maxwell/images/max_anim.gif
If so, these are designed to have an up/down switch. Might have been an incomplete installation?
Nick Caballero
Retired C36/375IA Mk II Technical Editor
Hi all
I have the same windlass but it only came with the up button to press. Where they short on down buttons during 99-2000 boats??
I usually just release the gypsy and let it run. Just remember to have tied up the end of the chain/rode to the boat before releasing....
Regards
Andres
Andres & Arantzazu
S/V "Carpe Diem"
Hull: 1773
1999 C36 mkII
Hong Kong
http://www.abclubhk.com/
I'm not at my boat, but I have a 2004 C36 MKII with an up only electric winch. I manually push my anchor out past the end of my anchor roller and manually lower my anchor chain and line. I normally even manually raise my anchor as well (good work out I guess), but use the windlass when headed into a strong headwind or at least a couple of times to year to make sure everything is working when in fact I do need it.
Ken Enstrom
2004 C-36 MKII #2199
Tall Rig, Wing Keel, M-35B
S/V Valkyrie - Sail Great Lakes
On my 1999, the PO added a down switch. Good thing too, as when I got the boat it hadn't been used in years and the windlass needed a complete disassembly and grease applied to the clutch cone and drum.
(It won't release and run out manually if seized from corrosion)
Now after three years I have disassembled and reassembled four times (maintenance, as well as repair of a broken pressure arm). I feel I finally know the unit quite well - it's now my practice to take it apart and grease the unit at the beginning of every season.
---- Howard & Linda Matwick ----
--- S/V "Silhouette" - Nanaimo, BC ----
--- 1999 C36 MkII #1776 M35BC ---
Hi Howard
Have you written a technical article on the servicing??
I would be interested to see it
^_~
Regards
Andres
Andres & Arantzazu
S/V "Carpe Diem"
Hull: 1773
1999 C36 mkII
Hong Kong
http://www.abclubhk.com/