Question on windlass

[Luv2fish]

I have a lewmar windlass. The only problem I've had is that when I drop the anchor by hitting "down" on the switch the anchor does not fall.

As you can see from the photo the windlass has a slight upward angle. Is there a way I can do something to the anchor to keep from running out on the deck to give it a nudge?

Thanks

 

[BradV]

I had the same issue. I ended up calling windline and replacing the factory bow roller with there custom one they made for Grady White 275. Call them and reference that boat. It has a collapsible front part where the anchor sits. I have a thread already about this crap.

http://www.classicparker.com/phpBB2/vie ... bow+roller

 

[TheOtherLine]

I had some issues with that when I had the lewmar horizon.

I suggest you try the following:

Remove the roller and either clean it or replace it. If it had chunks or gouges, replace it. Lubricate the bolt that slides inside the roller. Make sure you don't over tighten that nut or it will restrict the free movement of the roller.

Make sure the guard on the pulpit isn't jamming against the anchor on the drop. If it is, loosen the bolts and adjust it so that there is no contact between the top of the anchor and the guard.

Make sure that the clutch on your windlass is operating properly. Is the release delayed? Is the line being released but the anchor just falls into the roller and sits there?

Was it ever working correctly? Did you change anything from since it was working correctly?

I know these sound like rudimentary suggestions however,

.. as my smart alec Dad used to say....are you sure it's plugged in?

 

[grouperjim]

I had the same issue. I ended up calling windline and replacing the factory bow roller with there custom one they made for Grady White 275. Call them and reference that boat. It has a collapsible front part where the anchor sits. I have a thread already about this crap.

http://www.classicparker.com/phpBB2/vie ... bow+roller

with that new stereo set up, a little volume ought to "nudge" that baby right over the edge. 8)

FWIW on my Lewmar 700 i don't even apply power to the system until i'm ready to recover the anchor. i am already up on the bow to remove the pin from the chain chock. it is very simple for me to lift the chain off the gypsy and let the anchor free fall manually through my fingers.

when it is time to go, i engage the CB in the PH and recover the anchor. i walk back up to the bow and rechock the chain.

there are many ways to do it. TheOtherline has the freefall profish and factory Windline anchor roller. his anchor roller is well greased and rolls freely. he keeps his anchor all the "in" tight so the roller is as far down the shank as possible. when he hits the down toggle the momentum of the anchor on the roller allows it to self launch. he leaves the anchor unsecure until the end of the day when it's time to head back.

BTW if you don't have the free fall feature on your 700, you can buy a Lewmar kit for about $85 that converts it to a Profish free fall. My 700 is an early 2006 model which will not accept the modification. i think it is models after 10/06 that will take it.

 

[JTR]

Do they offer a free fall kit for the 500?

 

[TheOtherLine]

Do they offer a free fall kit for the 500?

I don't think so. I had the 500 and I'm pretty sure that had they made one, I would have bought it instead of buying an entirely new windlass.

The 500 is designed to have a controlled drop. My issue was getting the anchor down to the bottom quickly. Especially important in anchoring off wrecks.

 

[JTR]

I have to manually drop the anchor (pull rode out and let it free fall) to get the boat anchored right.

Free fall windless is on the winter to do list.

Which windless did you buy?

Any problems with your windless?

 

[BradV]

If you get a freefall Lewmar Profish spend the money on the 8 plait or you will be spending it afer the first week.

 

[Luv2fish]

Thanks for the info. I don't know what my model is (I'll check this weekend). I do know it does not free fall but is fed slowly as I hold the button down on the switch. I will check the roller and bolt as suggested. I bought the boat this summer and it has been like this since I bought it (used).

 

[steve j]

I have a Lewmar and have the same issue sometimes. After I get to the fishing grounds I release my anchor, retrieve it back, and leave it cocked and ready to release when I need it. It works well, and I didn't have to spend any money to fix it. When I'm ready to make the long haul back to the hill, I retrieve it all the way and lock it down.
Good fishing!!!

 

[steve j]

I have a Lewmar and have the same issue sometimes. After I get to the fishing grounds I release my anchor, retrieve it back, and leave it cocked and ready to release when I need it. It works well, and I didn't have to spend any money to fix it. When I'm ready to make the long haul back to the hill, I retrieve it all the way and lock it down.
Good fishing!!!

 

[Bryan 2530]

Mount a small roller near the back of the anchor to elevate it a little, that will allow it to free fall.

Like this....

 

[BradV]

did your little girl draw that with her crayons? ha ha.... Anyways I thought about adding something like this to go with bryans suggestion

http://www.windline.com/index.php?act=v ... ls&mod=103

 

[Bryan 2530]

No, I stole that pic

But that part would do it, mounted up side down at the base of the anchor.

 

[Luv2fish]

I like that suggestion. I'll try that this winter.

Thanks