new windlass for Traveler

tomtom1941 · Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 11:16 am Post subject: new windlass for Traveler

The old sprint lewmar 600 vertical windlass finally striped gears which are no longer available.

Does anyone have recommendations for a new one. I think I'd like to go horizontal and bigger this time and be able to cover the old mounting hole if possible.

Recommendations appreciated.

Tom

ghone · Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 11:45 am Post subject:

Hi Tom. Horizontals have proven more reliable. I have the Lewmar H700. You could fit that or go up a size to the H1000. Easy maintenance on these models and don't feed mud and sand into the seal like verticals. Best. George

Sunbeam · Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 12:06 pm Post subject:

This is not a specific answer, but... I'm going to add a windlass in the near future and I've earmarked the Lewmar Pro700 horizontal (which is the one George mentions above).

I am a bit disconcerted to read that a (presumably) 8-year-old Lewmar windlass is not only broken but considered so "old" that parts such as gears are no longer available(?) If I'm about to spend ~$800 on a windlass (not to mention wiring and installation costs), I'd like to think essential parts would be available for it in 8 years.

starcrafttom · Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 12:21 pm Post subject:

Just my two cents, I think that the vertical windlass are no longer made or supported because they where a crap design. As mentioned they all failed ( or a at least a high rate of failer) because of water intrusion into the motors that where poorly sealed and hanging directly below the shaft. It was a cheaper design to build because no gear box going from horizontal to vertical, but ended up being a poor design. I had one fail and rebuilt it but was not encouraged with it lasting more then a few years. Its still on the 22 I sold and I think its still running but its most likely due to my over sealing it then the design its self. I pulled a few more apart that people gave me to rebuild but they were to far gone to be of any use. The horizontal units don't seem to have any of the same issue that I know of. And you really don't have a choice if you want one as there are maybe 2 makers of smaller windlass on the market.

colobear · Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 12:37 pm Post subject:

The Lewmar V700 is still listed on the Lewmar site and is widely available online so I suspect it is still being made. Ours has been used in salt water for 5 years and works fine with 3 strand line and 1/4 inch heavy duty chain. it is not perfect but functions well; having said that, buying now I'd get a horizontal version.

Sunbeam · Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 12:38 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the insight, Tom. I've always had horizontal (manual) windlasses, so gravitated to that design. I like that there is one less "curve" to get the rode into the deck pipe. As you say, not too many choices anyway, so I'll likely just get the Pro700 (horizontal) and hope for the best. Snubbing the rode (off the windlass) should help too.

tomtom1941 · Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 12:58 pm Post subject: Thanks

Thanks for everyone's rapid replies.

Pro 700H it is.

Tom

Dreamer · Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 3:43 pm Post subject:

Here's a photo of the adapter needed to replace a 700 Vertical with a H700 ProFish Horizontal. Make sure the mounting bolts go through both the spacer and the deck for strength.
http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album481&id=P1010083&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

NewMoon · Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 6:38 pm Post subject:

starcrafttom · Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 7:40 pm Post subject:

Hold up everything a dam mintue...

When I was talking about the vertical vs horizontal I was talking about the mounting of the motors. Not the type of windlass. ( above deck or in deck) . to be clear the older vertical v700 compared to the v1 which has a horizontal motor. I would buy the V1 in a heart beat and think its a good design. All my problems where with the v700 or older v600's . I have not experience with the units that mount above deck. Looks to take up to much room to me and thats why I have the v1 on the 27.

Sunbeam · Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 7:48 pm Post subject:

Tom,

Is there a horizontal electric windlass that mounts below deck? I always thought that only vertical ones did that on our size boats.

I do have someone's cast off old Lofrans Royal manual horizontal windlass that was mounted below deck in a locker (had large hatch to foredeck), but that was a larger sailboat.

I understand a horizontal windlass to be one with the "axle" of the gipsy running athwartships (i.e. horizontally).

starcrafttom · Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 11:49 pm Post subject:

http://www.lewmar.com/products.asp?id=8338&lid=25806

Sunbeam · Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2013 12:22 am Post subject:

dotnmarty · Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2013 2:45 pm Post subject:

OK. Here's a picture of my windlass.

Is it a vertical or a horizontal windlass? Thanks Rolling Eyes

colobear · Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2013 2:57 pm Post subject:

Horizontal