Anchor windlass

[PhilR]

Raising anchor is a chore because the chain slips constantly. The windlass "teeth" can't keep a grip and I have to manually raise the anchor and hold it while the windlass picks up the slack, then keep repeating until it's all the way in. Am I doing
something wrong?

Phil

 

[knotflying]

My experience has been a) you need to tighten the clutch on the windless. There is a little wrench in the manual package you recieved. Take a look at the directions it will explain how to do that, very easy. b) if your chain and rode pile up below the motor it has no room to feed the line and it backs up and "stalls". The directions show that when all of your chain and line are in you should have about 6 inches of clearence from the top of your chain to the bottom of the motor. However, I prefer to have as much rode and chain as possible which does cause the stalling problem. The way I have overcome this is to stay at the bow when retrieving the anchor and every once in a while open the locker door and spread the stuff around, haven't had a problem since.

 

[Snug Tug]

Sounds like you might have the wrong type of chain. The windlass I have needs type BBB chain which has smaller links (the links are less elongated than standard chain) than some anchor rode chains which are commonly sold. The larger links on some chains don't fit the windlass properly and jump out of the windlass and slip. The proper size links work great. Look at BBB chain versus standard chain the next time you are at a marine store and compare them to see the difference. The dealer who sold me my R-25 supplied the wrong type of chain and I had the same problem you described until I replaced the anchor rode with with the proper size specifically made to fit the anchor windlass.

 

[PhilR]

Thanks for the good suggestions. I googled BBB chain and I'm not at the boat, but the links look shorter relative to width, than my chain. Next time at the boat, I'll check it.

 

[Barry Cohen]

I had the exact same problem.

Use the wrench that came with the windlass and give it a few more turns.

 

[abcandjrc]

From what you describe I agree that it is probably the chain type and/or size that is the problem since you did say the chain jumps out of engagement and implied that it does go below but needs help.

Most chain gypsies will have the chain for which they are intended marked someplace on them. Take a look to see what it expects. You may have to dismount it from the windlass to find the stamps. You may find that it is only a part number and you will have to contact the manufacturer to determine the proper chain to match that part number.

I guess the answer to your question is that no, you are not doing something wrong if that is the only way to get the anchor aboard, but something is wrong either with the windlass, its installation, or the chain. It should be a completely hands-free operation.

 

[PhilR]

I'm suspicious that it is a "wrong chain" issue. When I get up to the boat and my manuals later this week I'll figure it out and report back. This forum is great!!!!

 

[RProffer]

Were the windlass and chain supplied with the boat from the factory when it was new? If so, I recommend you contact the factory for suggestions. If the wrong chain was supplied, they should fix it. If the dealer installed them, and the wrong chain was supplied, then the dealer should fix it. The 27 is a new boat and should be under warranty.

 

[PhilR]

The windlass came on the boat, however, the day I picked up the boat, there was a brief delay as the dealer had a few things to "pick up", including the anchor and chain. If it turns out to be the wrong chain, I'll check with Andrew and the dealer. Thanks.

Phil