New Anchor Windlass

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Good to Go
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Joined: 3/11/21
Posts: 4
New Anchor Windlass

Hi everyone, just bought Good to Go this year. She is a 1995 MkII. As a lot of people referenced on the site the chain skips the chain wheel under load when the anchor is deployed and under tension. I find it very dangerous for my kids to handle the anchoring process alone as the chain just 'ran' on my daughter last week and she could not stop it!

After scouring the site I could not find a fix for the poorly design windlass location (horizontal Maxwell VW 1000). I have checked windlasses that seem to have a spring loaded arm to keep the chain on the chainwheel but I don't think they would fit the location of the current windlass in the chain locker. Has anyone replaced the their windlass recently with a model that fit the location (starboard side) and it horizontal?

Thanks in advance

Frank
Good to Go

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alfricke
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Joined: 4/14/09
Posts: 90

I suggest calling Maxwell in Seattle. When I replaced mine (not sure it was the same model as yours) they were very helpful, understood the issues and I couldn't be happier with the replacement. The hardest part was getting the old windlass off due to a seized up large nut. Not much worse than a bad windlass set up, and conversely, a good set up is a joy, and safe.

Al Fricke
S/V Jubilee San Francisco Bay
Catalina 36' MkII  #1867
Universal 35-B

Good to Go
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Joined: 3/11/21
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Thanks Al. I just contacted Maxwell. I am told there is no replacement fix for a windlass in that location. Only hope would be to try a new wheelchain model 114 and hope for the best. 

Since this is not the solution you were given, may I ask that you check your windlass and share your make and model please? I inserted a picture of my set-up to make sure we share the same set-up.

Cheers!

Frank
Good to Go

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Execute1@shaw.ca
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Joined: 2/21/22
Posts: 1

Hi,
I have the exact set up in the picture.  I currently have the rode only capstan.  Could you please share your complete solution including model numbers if you have them and chain/line sizes.
Thanks so much,
Martin

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Sojourn
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Joined: 7/14/08
Posts: 163

Looking the gypsy on the windless, the chain looks too small.  You check the chain type and size vs. the gypsy size.  If the chain is too small, it will slip.

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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alfricke
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Posts: 90

Arghhh...mine is not like yours at all...figured it wouldn't be from your description but hoped Maxwell could steer you in the right direction. The 2000 36s like mine have the rope cylinder sticking up thru the hatch, with the chain gypsy then on the horizontal plane below it. The configuration of the anchor locker area is also totally different. Having experience on other boats with a vertical gypsy like yours, there was no need for something to hold the chain against the gypsy. I'm using vertical as in the chain feeds in vertically. Maybe send your pic to the guy at Maxwell?? Or, hopefully other owners of your vintage oat will respond.

Al Fricke
S/V Jubilee San Francisco Bay
Catalina 36' MkII  #1867
Universal 35-B

Good to Go
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Joined: 3/11/21
Posts: 4

Hi Lou, your comment made me think about checking not the size of the chain but the type. My chain is 5/16 high test G4 but the chain wheel takes short links only (BBB). So I ordered the right chain to see if it helps with skipping.

thanks!

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pkeyser
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Joined: 5/18/13
Posts: 659

Shown in the picture, you have an aluminum bar hanging in the chain locker. I assume this is for the windlass? My PO stored this part in the cockpit table. Not knowing its purpose, I was tempted to toss it, but haven't. How is it used with the windlass?
Still learning things about our boat after 8 years of ownership.

Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B

Good to Go
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Joined: 3/11/21
Posts: 4

The bar is for releasing the clutch of the windlass and free falling the chain because I don't have a down switch on the windlasss, just an up switch.

cheers

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Sojourn
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Joined: 7/14/08
Posts: 163

The bar does two things adjust the clutch and can be used to ratched the winch to raise the anchor in an emergency (i.e. no power)

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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Sojourn
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Posts: 163

I may have spoke too soon, while my windless allows me to ratchet the chain up ( a very tedious job) by inserting the bar into the slots below the indentations below the chain.  In the picture attached see the pawl on the lower left side of the windless.  If yours doesn't have the slots you can only loosen the clutch to lower the anchor.

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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