Windlass reccomendations for a 424

[Ryan Doyle]

Hi all,

Our ancient Simpson Lawrence Francis Type 800 Combination Chain/Rope gypsy windlass appears to finally be on its last legs and I need to replace it.

I’m curious what models and brands of windlass work for you all. I am also looking for recommendations on where to get a decent deal… as this is an expensive item we were not planning on purchasing this year.

Any help greatly appreciated!

Thanks very much,
Ryan and Kathleen
Juniper
424 Ketch Hull #206
Brooklyn, NY

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[Revery]

Ryan,

We have a Muir Cheetah that’s been on Revery for years and it has served us well so far. If I were to buy one, though, I’d go with a Lofrans Tigress. A bit cheaper and have heard nothing but good about them.

As for where to get one? I got nothin’. Sorry. They seem to be priced similarly no matter where you look.

Evan

[rdugger]

I installed a 24v Lewmar H2 about 3 years ago. Bought it from an Ebay vendor who was liquidating the inventory of a defunct marine store. So far I’ve been happy with it.
Rick
Eclipse #73

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[Ryan Doyle]

Thanks very much for much for the suggestions Evan and Rick.

After I posted, I actually found a working version my exact windlass on eBay (seller asking $800, but if I can go brand new for the models you suggested at $1600-1700, that doesn’t seem like a bad deal.

My wife would like me to attempt to fix our current one, but not sure how that will go – it won’t drop the anchor now when I push forward the handle (so I have to manually pay out rode now), and although it works to pull the rode up, the case emits mild electric shocks…

Thanks again guys.

Ryan

[dagigsup]

The Windlass on Indulgence is very undersized and is on my scope to upgrade. Here is my question which I’ve gotten different answers on.

Is there a horizontal windlass (1500) that can facilitate chain & rope on same clutch?

Boaters tell me Tigress can but after attending the Miami boat show, vendors are stating that is incorrect without disengaging the clutch and using the drum for line.

I also heard from one vendor that supported different models that Lewmar seems to be the manufacturer that has that feature over the others.

What say ye?

David

[rdugger]

My Lewmar H2 gypsy will pull either chain or rope. It is on the starboard side of the windlass. The port side is a drum and I’ve never had occasion to use it.
I have 90 feet of chain and 60 feet of rope. While the gypsy will grab and pull the rope, the overall situation is not ideal. Since rope doesn’t fall well into the locker, the rope tends to overwrap and get jammed up on the gypsy. If I were to pull it into the locker as the gypsy is turning then it seems to work but I don’t have enough hands to do that. My usual system when I have more than a snubbers length of line out is to drive up on the anchor and pull the rope in by hand onto the deck. I then put the first foot of chain on the windlass. Before using the windlass to pull the chain up as the Admiral drives up on the anchor, I use two hands to feed and pull the rope into the locker.

Rick
Eclipse #73

[rdugger]

David,
The Admiral is very particular about smells so we don’t use the lower anchor compartment. Our deck anchor locker has no communication to the lower anchor locker. I usually have to stop and knock down the chain castle 2-3 times while bringing in the 90 feet. I made myself a long handled tool using pvc pipe and the claw from a hand garden cultivator. I can push and pull chain around with it while standing up. The deck anchor locker has a drain. I hose the chain off as it is brought in and also after it is in the locker. I use an extension wash wand used by RV owners to get close to the chain to rinse it off whilst bringing it in. Great tool. When we return to marina it gets rinsed off with fresh water.

Rick Dugger #73

Our what3words,on the hard,location for winter
swift.legends.clay

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