ABI Manual Windlass Info ?

[SvenG]

I'll post the question here instead of the Rocna forum to try to keep the discussion on topic.

Our manual windlass is definitely of the same general design as the one shown below but ours might be a size larger.

The ratchet action works fine and once someone gave us a hint how to release the brake it seems fully functional. The brake had just seized from lack of use.

The problem is that we have no documentation on it. I don't know what it is rated at and I also wonder if it really is only single speed !? The speed that I get out of it is very low (<6" per stroke ?) and I find it hard to believe that there isn't a higher speed.

Since the ABIMarine site points to various software packages and stock buying strategies I assume that the company is out of business. I'm wondering if anyone knows a site that has the old manuals and specs ?

Maybe someone here knows if there is more than one gear ?

Ours isn't gold plated like the one in the picture but it sure looks like quality craftsmanship so I'm hoping to be able to put it to good use.

Thanks for any pointers or answers,



-Sven

[GordMay]

ABI / Precision Lighting
On May 6, 2009, MJL Industries, Inc (also Known As: ABI, A & B INDUSTRIES,
PRECISION LIGHTING) filed a voluntary petition for liquidation under Chapter 7 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California.

[SvenG]

Hi Gord,

Originally Posted by GordMay

ABI / Precision Lighting
On May 6, 2009, MJL Industries, Inc (also Known As: ABI, A & B INDUSTRIES,
PRECISION LIGHTING) filed a voluntary petition for liquidation under Chapter 7 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California.

Even if ABI Precision Lighting isn't the same as ABI Marine (it might be ?) I suspect you've got the right diagnosis.

It would really be too bad if that is the case because it is a beautifully rugged windlass made out of what appears to be solid bronze. It is so rugged and basic that it probably never had any owners' guide :-)



-Sven

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by SvenG

Even if ABI Precision Lighting isn't the same as ABI Marine (it might be ?) I suspect you've got the right diagnosis...
... It is so rugged and basic that it probably never had any owners' guide :-)
Sven

Yes ABI Precision Lighting (MJL Industries) were the manufacturers of the ABI Windlass.

There was a manual, to which I previously (website's dead now) linked (post #2)
here ➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ass-21282.html

[SvenG]

This is the one we have.







I spent almost an hour looking at it today and see no way of engaging a second gear so maybe it is a single speed windlass

The single speed isn't even 6" per stroke, more like 4. At 3 strokes per foot that's 900 strokes to get 300' back on board. I'd better get used to switching arms or I'll become one lopsided muscle builder !



-Sven

[rebel heart]

Sven:

Our manual windlass is also a single speed and it takes a long time to haul the whole rode.

[seacap]

What you have is a Plath 7B windlass. ABI copied the design. Both are excellent reliable windlasses. They are single speed and slow. Rated at 800# load.

Have used them for over 20 years. Normally I haul by hand until it gets to tough, then drop the chain onto the wildcat and crank. I use a rode/chain (chain=10 fathoms) combo, so hauling by hand to the first part of the chain is fairly easy. If need be I can use the drum for the rode. Mine have never failed to work.

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by seacap

Normally I haul by hand until it gets to tough, then drop the chain onto the wildcat and crank. I use a rode/chain (chain=10 fathoms) combo, so hauling by hand to the first part of the chain is fairly easy

That's what I do too.

[SvenG]

Thanks for all the info and for letting me know what windlass we have.

Very useful and appreciated.



-Sven

[SkiprJohn]

I've got an old ABI catalog with what appears to be the same windlass in it. It has a blow up of all the parts and pieces if you'd like me to scan it.
kind regards,

[SvenG]

Originally Posted by SkiprJohn

I've got an old ABI catalog with what appears to be the same windlass in it. It has a blow up of all the parts and pieces if you'd like me to scan it.

Sure, I wouldn't turn that offer down !

BTW, with today's digital cameras it is usually easier just to take a picture. Either a scan or a picture would be very welcome.

Thanks,



-Sven

[rebel heart]

I would love a scan as well!

radpin 'at' gmail.com

I'll host them on a web server for everyone as soon as I get it. Thanks so much!

[blahman]

Sven and others,

I've attached a parts-schematic/teardown of the Plath/ABI windlass, too. It's the highest quality I have - sorry

Yep, single speed only; just gotta haul back by hand until you can't anymore, then accept that you've got a donkey for your windlass.


Our windlass is ABI made:



Cheers,
Aaron

[SkiprJohn]

Hey Blahman. I can't get a better scan than that and it is exactly the same as what I have.
regards,