I've just acquired this nice 1994 C36 mkI, and realize only now that my windlass has no chain stopper. In fact the one time ive tried anchoring and the chain jumped off, I had to grab it by hand to keep all the chain from running out. The windlass is a horizontally mounted Maxwell 800. the manual keeps mentioning the chain stopper that I don't have. I'm sure I need one. Does anyone know where I can purchase it and where I should mount it? Anyone else have an original windlass installed without it?
Thanks.
Sam
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Capt. Sam Murphy
1994 Catalina 36, Hull 1327
Shoal draft, two cabin model.
Panama City, Florida
Can't beat their prices
Chain Stopper
[url]http://www.marinepartdepot.com/new316ststan.html[/url]
Nile Schneider
Mañana C36 #1798
Lake Champlain, VT
Sam,
Welcome aboard! I don't think the fact that you don't have a chain stopper is the problem. I think the problem is that you have a horizontal windlass. CY has since changed to a vertical mount windlass because many owners experienced what you have, i.e. the chain jumping off. It happens because the chain goes around the chainwheel for only 90 degrees. With a vertical model, the chain goes around 180 degrees. Below is a link to the C42 forum which discusses this very problem. Garry Willis is a very knowledgeable former C36 owner who devised a solution (with the help of Garhauer Marine). I'm sure that if you call Garhauer you can buy a roller similar to Garry's.
[URL]http://catalina42discussionforum.yuku.com/reply/8687/maxwell-windlass#re...
Rather than trying to find a spot for a chain stopper on an already crowded bow, most owners I know use a chain hook attached to a short piece of 1/2" line, or a chain hook attached to a pair of lines to form a bridle. Attach the chain hook to the chain, and attach the other end of the line(s) to a cleat(s). Then let out enough chain so that the snubber line takes the strain off the windlass, plus a few feet. This will quiet things down, and also prevent the windlass shaft from bending in shock loads (which is why Maxwell recommends a chain stopper). Hope this helps.
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
I completely agree with Tom that a snubber using nylon line attached to a chain hook and made fast to a bow cleat (or two) is the way to handle the chain stopper issue.
The chain stoppers I am familiar with will keep the load from being transmitted to the windlass gypsy, but will do nothing to reduce the shock of a boat surging against an all-chain rode.
Best of luck and happiness with your new boat, by the way, Sam!
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 am very impressed with the support I'm getting from you all.
Your answers seem to be spot on and a great help.
Thanks everybody.
Sam
Capt. Sam Murphy
1994 Catalina 36, Hull 1327
Shoal draft, two cabin model.
Panama City, Florida