Problem with simpson-lawrence windlass

C

c-ness

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C Dory Year
2002
C Dory Model
24 Tomcat
Vessel Name
C-weetness
We have a simpson-lawrence sprint 400 windlass on our tomcat. We are able to deploy rode easily, but cannot retrieve [unless it's the chain]. I suspect that it has something to do with the control arm, because if I stand by the windlass and increase pressure on the control arm all works well. I've tried adjusting the control arm via the through hex nut but to no avail. Does anyone have any ideas???
 
Did you recently have the windlass taken apart to be serviced ? the wheel that retrieves the rode can be put on backwards. This causes the rode to slip, but the chain isn't affected. ......I know !
 
The other possibility is the little control arm, also called the "Fleming". It pushes on the rope from the outside, causing the rope next to the gypsy to engage the gypsy's teeth and move inward or outward.

The spring providing the pressure on the Fleming can break or weaken, letting the rope slip instead. Pushing on the Fleming with your shoe (no bare toes or fingers, please!), will then cause the windlass to operate normally as the correct pressure is supplied.

The obvious solution is to disassemble the windlass as necessary and renew the spring. If the Fleming is plastic (nylon) instead of metal and well worn, it should be replaced as well.

If you have the Installation Guide, which has also a parts catalogue, and feel mechanically competent to take it apart, dig in! If not, a local marine dealer should be able to do it for you. Lewmar (was Simpson-Lawrence until a few years ago), has very helpful on line techs that can help you with parts and technical issues.

Hope this helps!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
I have had 3 sprint 400's on 2 different boats .On my cd-22 I had one rebuilt 400 and then another new one put on .On my cc-23 it came with the boat. .Sometimes I have to put the boat in reverse to put pressure on the line to bring it in . The chain works great I've thought about putting all chain on ,Then no problems I usually anchor in only 20-30 ft of water so chain would work great. Just another project to do .

I don't really have to much faith in the 400 sprint if this one goes I will replace with a pro 700 .Also I like the windlass that feeds line over the spool vertical vs horizontal
 
I have a Lewmar 700 the line feeds over the top of the drum which I like better as gravity sometimes is an advantage. I regularly unwind all my anchor rode and place it in a galvinized tub with water and some fabric softner. After it stays in a couple days I pull it out and let it dry and them wind it back up in to the boat. I find the rope lays better. The anchor locker smells better and the rode stays on the windless better. Some say to reverse the anchor rode once every couple years. You know put the chain and the hook on the opposite end of the rope as I guess you get some wear. I have been wrong. :)
D.D.
 
I did not know that the control arm was called a fleming. If I put pressure on the Fleming the rope is retreived. It looks like I need to replace the spring and maybe the Fleming itself. Thanks all!!!
 
I had to replace the fleming and spring in my windlass on the 27. you have to call the maker and order the parts. i could not get them anywhere else. I had a older 1200 model so parts where no longer made.
 
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