Simpson-Lawrence windlass problem

novaless · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 3

I was anchoring on Sunday and when I was setting the anchor I guess I had it set good, because when I let more line out of the windlass a lot of line went out and fast (faster then normal). There was a load whine because it's letting so much line out at once. This isn't the first time that I've done this, and before I never had a problem. Then when I went to pull anchor the next morning it wouldn't pull at all. If I gave the windlass a quick shot of down then tried to pull up it will power on for a very brief second. It will immediately stop if it's got any load at all. The windlass still paying out line fine, but will not pull up now. I always cleat the anchor line off once the anchor is set, but not while setting it. I have the Horizon 600 model. Thanks for your assistance with this one.

katkt · Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 11:06 pm Post subject:

Does the Windlass continue to run even though it stops retrieving line?
Is the Whatchmajigger that grips the line moving or does it stop when the line stops.?

novaless · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 3

No the motor stops, and you can hear it slow to a stop (when it does work), on the retreive only. The thing that grips the line does stop turning when the motor stops. But the motor will work when paying line out. Thanks!

katkt · Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 11:31 pm Post subject:

Well that shot my idea. Sounds like it may be time for a new Windlass. You'll get some more opinions. Stay tuned. Very Happy

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 11:59 pm Post subject:

We could speculate on whether this an electrical or mechanical problem, or a combination, etc., but the best solution is for you to call Simpson Lawrence (Lewmar now, I think), ask for the technical representative, and talk to him/her.

You might want to do this from a cell phone on the boat so that you can go through some operational tests live with the rep on the phone. These people are paid to do this, and are experts at it, since they do it all day long!

Good Luck!

Joe.

katkt · Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 8:47 am Post subject:

I second the motion to give them a call. When mine was blowing fuses, I called them on a saturday and told them what was going on, they told me what was wrong, and how to fix it in less than 5 min.

novaless · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 3

Thanks for the replies. I did talk to the rep today and they think that it may be one of the small gears or a bearing...? Anyways, they want me to pack it up and send it to the authorized service center for repair...

Cheers...