Windlass

  • September 18, 2012 5:05 AM
    Message # 1075460

    All,

    I am looking for recommendations as to which, or what, type of manual windlass works best on a W32.  Is it best mounted on the sprit?  I like the Simpson Lawrence SeaTiger 555 two speed windlass, but I want to make sure I am not overlooking any better ones.

    Tyler

  • September 18, 2012 9:04 AM
    Reply # 1075639 on 1075460
    A manual windlass is great.  Only a manual windlass can provide the torque necessary to kedge you off if you run aground.  Electric windlasses have a clutch that limits the torque.  I typically pull up the anchor rode by hand, using the windlass only to break the anchor free and to hoist it to the surface.

    The Sea Tiger is one of the best.  The best feature is the two-speed gears.  In low gear, I calculate that it provides you with a 100:1 mechanical advantage.  The only trouble with it is the iron-aluminum reactions and eventual galling that may occur.  If you get one, be sure to use anti-seize compound everywhere dissimilar metals make contact.

    I'm one of the lucky few who have what Bud called, "The Taiwanese knockoff of the Sea Tiger windlass."   It is 100% bronze.  I'm sure that it will last 3-4 human lifetimes.  Unfortunately, new ones are no longer available.   My windlass is mounted on top of the bowsprit just forward of the Sampson posts.

    p.s. The below-deck pipes that guide your rode to the chain locker are also important.  Mine are made from PVC and they recently wore out.  Inspection showed that friction from the chain eroded a 3/4 inch groove all the way through the pipe.  The entire path including elbows was affected.  It caused the chain to catch both feeding out and in.  I need to replace the whole thing.
  • November 30, 2012 1:16 PM
    Reply # 1149728 on 1075460
    Deleted user
    About a month ago I read that an outfit in the UK was tooled up to manufacture the 555 again, or at least supply repair parts.  I was lucky when I got mine in that the previous owner had squirreled away a bag of replacement parts that enabled me to rebuild it.  If I can find the info I'll post it to this thread.  -Tom
  • December 01, 2012 11:19 AM
    Reply # 1150239 on 1075460
    http://www.rcplathcompany.com

    I googled "Plath manual windlass".It is company in Oregon, they have new bronze 2 speed manual windlasses as well at last contact 1 reconditioned ABI bronze which is a copy of the Plath bronze, they also had some reconditioned trade ins that were manual Simpson Lawrence 2 speed. This company seems to be able to build or rebuild anything, I was looking for an electric windlass, getting lazy using my 2speed Simpson Lawrence .
  • December 02, 2012 8:43 AM
    Reply # 1150624 on 1075460
    If you are looking for an electric windlass, I recommend the Lewmar electric ones.  Contact me at  btaplin@westsail.com for info and prices.
  • December 02, 2012 10:13 AM
    Reply # 1150654 on 1075460

    All,

    I think I posted this info a couple yeras ago, but searching is difficult on this new forum so I will repeat the info.

    John McMaster a former S/L/Lewmar employee purchased the rights, parts and tooling for all of the old S/L windlasses when they were discontinued a few years ago.  He has spare parts for many of the older S/L electric windlasses and all of the S/L manual windlasses. He can rebuild any old S/L windlass if you send it to him and can also supply parts to those who wish to rebuild their windlass themselves. He has recently restarted production of the 555 Seatiger and the 510 Hyspeed and just now is completing the tooling to restart the S/L Anchorman series windlasses. 

    You can contact John  at www.slspares.co.uk  or phone 44-141-589-6287.

    Kevin

  • December 02, 2012 10:40 AM
    Reply # 1150661 on 1075460
    I know this is a departure from the subject, but I find it tedious to use my manual windlass most of the time, especially for anchoring for lunch, and mostly end up pulling in the rode and chain by hand. My question is related to choice of anchors for specific purposes. What would the ideal size and type of anchor be for a short stay, like for making and eating a meal? What two anchors do most W32 owners carry, assuming they only carry two? I carry two CQR's, a 40# and a 25#.
  • December 03, 2012 9:49 AM
    Reply # 1151368 on 1075460
    When I was skippering boats and taking out charters, we used what we called a lunch hook.  A lightwieght small anchor, about 25' of 1/4" chain, and the rest 1/2" nylon rode.  Makes it easy to drop and retrieve.  No problem since you are probably out in the cockpit and can watch out for any dragging of the anchor.  This anchor was also quite often used to hold the stern from swinging in a tight anchorage.
Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software