Windlass failiure?

[SLyle01]

Due to frequent jamming of chain in the gypsy (deploying, & especially retrieving), we installed an anchor swivel-shackle. Decided to drop all 50' of chain and 40-50' of rode in a 100'+ deep spot to let the chain/rode 'unkink/untwist'.

Once deployed, windlass would not retrieve AT ALL, even though anchor was just dangling free -off bottom. Noted no clutch slipping at all, no jamming in gypsy, no overheat and no electrical issue, since windlass worked OK once load was manually reduced by hand. Load seemed too heavy for the Lewmar unit. After trying for 10 mins. to no avail, we even considered cutting line and RTB! Eventually it took 2 people another 15 mins. to manually retrieve ALL that rode, hand-over-hand, taking up slack with windlass, and clearing anchor-locker frequently. That process is dangerous and uncomfortable.
Chain did appear to be 'unkinked' and better-aligned going into the gypsy when windlass finally began to retrieve the last 30' or so -operating normally, 'as expected'. However, we will not be comfortable using anchor until windlass issue is resolved. NOTE: Remote windlass operation in cabin is useless, since anchor-locker must be frequently cleared below gypsy to avoid stoppage.

Suspect the lEWMAR is faulty/inadequate, since many folks on TugNuts responded that they have NO problems with their windlasses, even with heavier and deeper anchorages.
Please advise, thanks.

 

[knotflying]

When you explain your symptoms it is not clear to me if the Lewmar is straining or is it jamming? If it is straining and not retrieving, I would check all your electrical connections and make sure your battery is in good shape. If it is jamming I would make sure rode and chain are not bunching up below. If it is slipping and you have tighten the clutch to the max you may have a bad clutch or a bad gypsy. You next step may be to give Lewmar a call. They provide pretty good technical support.

 

[BGW]

I constantly fight with the windlass with my R-27. It’s to the point where I’m hesitant to drop anchor.

I usually do the back and forth dance, a little up, a little down, hoping the windlass will grab a bit of rope but a lot of the time I’m having to haul it in by hand. You’re right. It’s dangerous as the chance of getting a finger caught seems high.


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[Cutwater28GG]

is the anchor package installed by dealers or by the factory? I wonder whether this is a variation in quality/experience with the anchor based on this?

 

[SLyle01]

I constantly fight with the windlass with my R-27. It’s to the point where I’m hesitant to drop anchor.

I usually do the back and forth dance, a little up, a little down, hoping the windlass will grab a bit of rope but a lot of the time I’m having to haul it in by hand. You’re right. It’s dangerous as the chance of getting a finger caught seems high.


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I agree completely: It's NOT an issue with jamming, broken gypsy, electrical system OR line-twist. At least for our newer Rangers/Cutwaters, the Lewmar unit motor is INADEQUATE for the weight of chain/line supplied and installed at the Fluid Motion factory. I will submit a warranty claim to replace with a larger-capacity Lewmar or other windlass, since as is...there is NO useable, safe, reliable anchor on the Ranger.

 

[Kevin Lamont]

I constantly fight with the windlass with my R-27. It’s to the point where I’m hesitant to drop anchor.

I usually do the back and forth dance, a little up, a little down, hoping the windlass will grab a bit of rope but a lot of the time I’m having to haul it in by hand. You’re right. It’s dangerous as the chance of getting a finger caught seems high.


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I agree completely: It's NOT an issue with jamming, broken gypsy, electrical system OR line-twist. At least for our newer Rangers/Cutwaters, the Lewmar unit motor is INADEQUATE for the weight of chain/line supplied and installed at the Fluid Motion factory. I will submit a warranty claim to replace with a larger-capacity Lewmar or other windlass, since as is...there is NO useable, safe, reliable anchor on the Ranger.

Hello there,

I am not sure why you are having difficulties with your windlass, in fact the windlass we use on the R27ob is the same as the windlass we used on the R27 inboard. I wonder if you might have an issue with the windlass as it is rated for a max of 1000lbs of pulling power. To me it sounds like I would start with the simple checks like main electrical connections and clutch adjustment. Like someone said before this may warrant a call to Lewmar for more information on what to check. Hope this helps!!

Thanks,
Kevin Lamont

 

[Cutwater28GG]

i don't understand this.

if my math is correct, 50ft of 5/16 chain will be about 60lbs.
The anchor if its a heavier Rocna 15 another 33lbs.
a 600ft spool of 5/8 nylon rode is 63lb including the spool so being conservative = 1lb per 10ft. https://www.e-rigging.com/five-eighths-inch-x-600-foot-Nylon-Rope

therefore with anchor, chain and 250ft of rode all out: the total weight is
60+33+25= 118lbs.

the lewmar 1000 is rated to 1000lbs. https://www.lewmar.com/node/11626?v=25250

Im sure the lewmar is massively over stating the 1000 like any marketing but it really shouldn't have a problem.

Some ideas
1. there is a fault with the lewmar
2. The voltage drop from the batteries to the windlass is too high so it cannot achieve its full rating (cable run length vs cable thickness)
3. The batteries are bad (old, not charged)
4. the anchor is not hanging free but attached to the bottom in less than 300ft of water? (weight is actually higher than stated)
5. there is a source of friction on the bow roller that is increasing the required strength to haul the anchor?

 

[Red Raven]

I agree with Gavin. Something is clearly wrong as the Lewmar can pull this anchor package no problem if things are working correctly.

Before you go to the trouble of contacting Lewmar I would test your thruster battery. First check that you have a fully charged battery (more than 12.6 volts with all charging systems off). Then when the windlass is running the battery voltage should drop less than 1 volt (battery voltage still more than 11.6 volts). If the battery voltage drops more than this under full load it is likely at or near end of life. Pull the battery and have it tested more formally.

Since you state your clutch is not slipping, the chain is not jammed or jumping the Gypsy the battery is the next likely culprit in my opinion. If the battery checks out, I would then attempt to measure the voltage at the windlass terminals to ensure you don’t have a connection problem. Perhaps you can get to the terminals via the chain lock. If the voltage is good at the windlass then I would assume it is a faulty windlass and would contact Lewmar for resolution.

Curt

 

[SLyle01]

Thanks, but we're talking about a NEW 2019 R27 (AGM batteries at full power). Not sure which battery powers the windlass (House? Thruster?) Does the windlass require the higher amperage draw from a running engine alternator or gennie?

I am beginning to thiMk the Lewmar is faulty. No other possibility, since some others have had similar issues....i.e. Not a slipping clutch, not faulty wiring/switches (windlass operates ok with little load), not twisted chain, not broken gypsy cogs, not anchor-locker jamming, not hung up on a reef, etc.) We'll contact Lewmar and pass along what they say.

 

[Chimo]

Thanks, but we're talking about a NEW 2019 R27 (AGM batteries at full power). Not sure which battery powers the windlass (House? Thruster?) Does the windlass require the higher amperage draw from a running engine alternator or gennie?

I am beginning to thiMk the Lewmar is faulty. No other possibility, since some others have had similar issues....i.e. Not a slipping clutch, not faulty wiring/switches (windlass operates ok with little load), not twisted chain, not broken gypsy cogs, not anchor-locker jamming, not hung up on a reef, etc.) We'll contact Lewmar and pass along what they say.

I think you may have provided very crucial information. Curt and others have given a very clear diagnosis procedure to check for voltage drop but I'm not sure that any of us thought you might be trying to retrieve a fully deployed (or indeed any) anchor without the engine running. Could you confirm that please? Maybe if BGW reads this he/she could also confirm?

 

[Red Raven]

The windlass runs from the thruster battery. Another thought is that if you are using the thrusters prior to pulling anchor the batteries could be drained from that. We also always have the engine running whenever we use the thrusters or the windlass.

Curt

 

[ixlr8]

Keep in mind folks that he is running a 27OB. The Yamaha generator only puts out something like 50 amps at cruise rpm. At idle it doesn't put out much at all, so it is not going to be much help.
He needs to find a way to measure the voltage at the Windlass when he is trying to lift the anchor. I suspect a loose connection somewhere or a bad Windlass motor.