new windlass for Traveler

[Sunbeam]

As Barry said, it's a horizontal one. From what I understand, the determining factor is which way the "axle" of the gipsy (gipsy being the "wheel" that the rode wraps around as it comes in) runs. If that axle is horizontal (like yours), then it's a horizontal windlass; if it's vertical, then ... vertical.

As shown in the link, a vertical windlass can have the motor lying either vertically or horizontally (below decks). I have not had one of those (vertical), but if I understood Tom correctly, the ones with the motor lying horizontally are more robust than the ones with the motor lying vertically.

[dotnmarty]

Good. Thanks.

[Jazzmanic]

[journey on]

Having been the owner of both a V600 and a V700 windlass, I have a few comments on the design. First, the seal at the top of the shaft, where the capstan fits on has to keep out sand, mud, water, you name it. By the way, this is true for any vertical windlass. Second, Lewmar claims that the new V700 seal solves that problem though it's too late for a V600.

It turns out that that seal on the V600 was bad and let everything in. So Lewmar did 2 things. They started manufacturing their windlasses in Thailand and (somewhat) redesigned the windlass. They claim that the new seal is better. I do point out that the capstans are interchangeable, so I'm not sure what the redesign is. However the V700 has worked, though only for a year or so.

I'd appreciate if anyone else who has a V700 would comment on their experience, good bad or indifferent. I also added a washdown pump to try and reduce the crud on the line going through the winch. Also, I notice that Defender is selling motor and gear assemblies for the V700, so you can rebuild it, if you want

Here's the sand I pulled out of the V600 when I took it apart. Unfortunately, by then I'd replaced it with the V700. Live and learn. Notice the crud came down through the gearbox into the motor; got everything on the way down.



Boris

[NORO LIM]

[kennharriet]

I also have been following the threads with interest and plan to add a windlass to Lochsa. Based on input so far, I have it narrowed to the H700 or H1000. I am still a bit reluctant because there are many negative reviews critical mostly of water intrusion and corrosion due to poor sealing surfaces. Can anyone push me over the edge with current experience. Thanks.

[colobear]

I guess it depends on where you boat and how often you anchor. If you boat from marina to marina with only an occasional anchoring in water 20' deep or less then maybe the investment is not especially needed. I think it also depends on your age and health. If you are young with a strong back and in moderately good health, (A floating definition if there ever was one.) then maybe, again, the investment is not needed. And, it also depends on the amount of singlehanding you do, if you usually have someone else on board who can handle the boat while you are on the bow or who could bring the boat around to you if you had the misfortune to go OFF the bow, then the investment might not .....and so on. Our V700 has been a substantial improvement over my going out on the bow to anchor or, more importantly, to retrieve. Is it perfect? No certainly not. Am I (and my wife) glad we have it? You bet.

[kennharriet]

I finally settled on the Lewmar Pro Fish 700 from this outfit.

http://www.windlass-anchor.com/lewmar-profish-700-free-fall-windlass.html

[kennharriet]

Ready to begin the install of the Lewmar H700. Does anyone have advice or photos for positioning the windlass? It looks to me that either the existing cleat or anchor chaining locking device will need to be relocated or removed. Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks in advance, ken

[Sunbeam]

I've been collecting info because I'm probably going to install one of these in the near future. From what I could see, just about everyone had it in the same place, fore-and-aft, and they all kept the original bow cleat (although it was close). I presume it's positioned as far aft as possible -- for maximum "drop" of the rode yet still ahead of the anchor locker bulkhead.

George Hone's Kerri-on album has a good sub-album showing the installation and positioning (as do others, but his comes to mind).

Link to the sub-album:

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album1636&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

A couple of photos from the sub-album:





Edited to add: You know, now that I look at it, I think Kerri-on's 700H might be positioned a bit further forward than some other ones, so that shows there is some leeway forward/aft. Now of course I have to look

Okay, here is Voyager's for comparison. I believe it is a bit further aft. These both look like top-notch installations to me.





Link to the Voyager sub-album that includes the windlass installation (and more photos):

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=Upgrades&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[thataway]

Things to think about are a backing plate--aluminum 1/4 or 3/8" is probably best. The hole in the deck and back up plate made with hole saw.

I suggest that all of the holes be routed out, undercut and filled with epoxy.

Also I tend to grind down the non skid to give a better surface for the gasket material.

[kennharriet]

Thanks Sunbeam! Very helpful.

[ghone]

Nice job Sunbeam. I kept the windlass ahead a bit to give good access to the cleat. I just run the rode over the windlass to the cleat, with slack to the gypsy. I undercut and epoxy filled all holes as Bob suggests and used a big sheet of UHD plastic 3/8 thick under the whole foredeck area to distribute loads. I used big fender washers instead of the supplied teeny ones. Grinding off the non skid is a good idea. Thought about it and couldn't bring myself to do it. Tough enough to bore these holes. I love this windlass! We retrieve several times a day sometimes. Saves the arms and back. George.

[Hunkydory]

I installed our new Lewmar H700 using George's photos & write up including the UHD plastic for backing & found it all extremely helpful.

The Windless is the one thing I really never thought I would install, but when finally making the go a head decision, went all the way & included a wireless remote. I used it last year in Yellowstone Lake & lake Powell & now consider it money & time well spent. I'm really looking forward to our next Southeast Alaska Cruise where I have no doubt the new set up will make the many anchor deploys a much more safe & enjoyable experience.

Jay

[Sunbeam]