Lewmar windlass manual operation

[Maggie Anne]

I'm having some issues with the manual operation of my Lewmar Pro 1000 windlass, the unit is about 2 years old, a new installation on a R27OB. The unit works fine under power but does not free fall when I loosen the capstan drive cap.

Another issue is that I can't manually retrieve the anchor. When I insert a standard 1/2” drive long handle ratchet into the socket end of the driveshaft on the opposite site of the windlass to the gypsy it is very difficult to move (in either direction). I can rotate the ratchet handle a small amount and the chain moves enough so that I can see which way will retrieve or lower the anchor but it's very resistant to turning and I hesitate to use too much force.

I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks, bob

 

[NorthernFocus]

Sounds like you have bearings going bad. Run the windlass with the chain/rhode out of the gypsy. It should be pretty quiet. If there is any rumbling/grinding sound you've got a bad bearing. The motor bearings are the most susceptible to early failure due to condensation. Also if you have a DC clamp on meter you can check the amps while doing the above. With no load on it current should be nil.

 

[knotflying]

I'm having some issues with the manual operation of my Lewmar Pro 1000 windlass, the unit is about 2 years old, a new installation on a R27OB. The unit works fine under power but does not free fall when I loosen the capstan drive cap.

Another issue is that I can't manually retrieve the anchor. When I insert a standard 1/2” drive long handle ratchet into the socket end of the driveshaft on the opposite site of the windlass to the gypsy it is very difficult to move (in either direction). I can rotate the ratchet handle a small amount and the chain moves enough so that I can see which way will retrieve or lower the anchor but it's very resistant to turning and I hesitate to use too much force.

I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks, bob

What unit do you have? Your operation does not sound typical for the Lewmar with the free fall option. The free fall has a small button that you engage in advance. When at the helm the minute you hit the lower button the anchor will fall freely. You also have an option of keeping free fall engaged or off. Trying to have the anchor free fall by manually loosening the gypsy clutch is not correct. The operation you describe is usually done when the windless is inoperable.

 

[NorthernFocus]

What unit do you have? Your operation does not sound typical for the Lewmar with the free fall option. The free fall has a small button that you engage in advance. When at the helm the minute you hit the lower button the anchor will fall freely. You also have an option of keeping free fall engaged or off. Trying to have the anchor free fall by manually loosening the gypsy clutch is not correct. The operation you describe is usually done when the windless is inoperable.

He said Pro 1000 which does have instructions in the manual for manual deployment:

3.4 Letting go under gravity
Insert the clutch lever into the clutch nut (1) and turn it clockwise
to ensure that the clutch is tight. Release any independent anchor
locks. If it is safe to do so, pull back on the clutch lever until the
anchor and rode begin to pay out. Control the rate of descent of
the anchor by pushing the clutch lever forwards. When suffi cient
rode has been paid out, fully tighten the clutch nut once again.

 

[Maggie Anne]

Dan, Thanks for the suggestion regarding the bearing, I'll try the experiment you mentioned. I do have a clamp meter so I'll be able to test the current draw also.

Knotflyng, I believe the Pro-FIsh model has the button you describe but the Pro model does not. Based on the descriptions in the Lewmar manual I have the Pro model not the Pro-Fish.

I don't have a need right now for a manual operation but I'm planning a long trip (Bellingham-Juneau) this summer and wanted to be familiar with the operation beforehand in case I had problems and so when trying it out yesterday I ran into these issues.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

Doesn’t the pro model have the equivalent of free fall - you loosen their clutch nut. Which is the 3 spoked item in parallel to the Gypsy? It could be you are trying to just tighten the clutch with the wrench and not actually lift the chain...

 

[NorthernFocus]

...I don't have a need right now for a manual operation but I'm planning a long trip (Bellingham-Juneau) this summer and wanted to be familiar with the operation beforehand in case I had problems and so when trying it out yesterday I ran into these issues.

Using the windlass for manual retrieval isn't very practical in anything deeper than a puddle. If you're physically able it's a lot faster(and easier) to simply pull it by hand. But particularly considering your planned cruise you might want to consider carrying a buoy and ring and familiarizing yourself with the float system of retrieval. When deploying a lot of rhode it is far and away the quickest and least labor intensive method of recovery. The buoy can double as a bumper if you can live with the work boat look for a few weeks.

 

[Chimo]

Doesn’t the pro model have the equivalent of free fall - you loosen their clutch nut. Which is the 3 spoked item in parallel to the Gypsy? It could be you are trying to just tighten the clutch with the wrench and not actually lift the chain...

I believe the answer is in the manual. Pages 10/11 cover free fall and retrieval. https://www.lewmar.com/sites/default/fi ... iss2_0.pdf

 

[Maggie Anne]

Dan, I've used the float technique you mention on my friends boat (he doesn't have a windlass), it does work well.

Chimo, I think I'm correctly following the instructions in the manual but still doesn't work.

I could retrieve by hand over hand method if necessary, but now I wonder if there is an issue that needs servicing on the windlass.

I have sent a note to Lewmar tech support, no response as yet. If I figure out the resolution I"ll post a follow up.

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

It's my understanding that the 1000 Pro does not have a free-fall function. You'd need to install a kit that converts the 1000 Pro to a Pro Fish in order to gain the free fall functionality.