Maxwell 800 Windlass

[delmag]

just wondering if the maxwell 800 windlass has a clutch that allows the chain to pay out without power. somebody told me it doesn't but i find that hard to believe. anyone know for sure?

[Jim Cate]

Have no experience with the 800, but all the models from 1200 on up certainly have clutches. I doubt very much if the 800 is that different in design.

A visit to their website should clarify...

Cheers,

Jim and Ann s/v Insatiable II

[imagine2frolic]

I have 2 VW800's, and they run in reverse to pay out scope......i2f

[delmag]

jim-
i looked at the maxwell site and found information about the newer models but was unable to find anything on the 800. looks like the newer versions have clutches.

i2f-
just seems hard for me to believe that they make a windlass that has no mechanism for allowing you to anchor without power. seems, however, that IS the case.

thanks for taking the time to respond

[GMac]

The Freedom 800 (RC800, is another name for the same thing) do have manual drop and one of the better manual retrieve.

On the top should be 2 star shaped holes that will take a winch handle. Loosen the centre on and you have manual drop. Put the handle in the outside one and be surprised at just how quick you can manually retrieve.

If you have an old VW/VWC 800 it should have manual down but not up. I'm 15 min away from having a beer with a Maxwell man so stand by for the horses mouth, so to speak. Might be a while, it's his shout and I'm feeling very thirsty

[imagine2frolic]

A flat bar came with both Maxwells that slip through the head for manual raising. I would rather use my mainsail winch than get on my knees with this arrangement........i2f

[GMac]

As I suspected and Maxwell have now confirmed, the older VW and VWC 800's do have manual drop.

Loosen the top and away she goes. Don't forget to tighten it up again though.

[imagine2frolic]

GMac,

Thanks for the info. I do not remembering reading that in the manual. The first one was on the boat when I bought her. I installed the second one to rearrange the ground tackle system.......i2f

[delmag]

gmac-
thank you for that information. it has restored my faith in the sensibility of the maxwell engineers. i just found it hard to believe that anyone would design a windlass for a sailboat that didn't provide for a way to lower your anchor if you lost power. i'm sure there are some floating around out there but i hope i never come across one!
-del

[GMac]

No worries gents, more than happy to help.

Del - there are some out there but they are very old now. All the new and recently new have manual so you're safe

[Redcoat]

The cone clutches corrode and stick on the 800 if they sit.Take it apart and clean it.

[GMac]

Originally Posted by Redcoat

The cone clutches corrode and stick on the 800 if they sit.Take it apart and clean it.

They will on every winch beit a Maxwell or not.

Clean often if you anchor often. Clean at least once year anyway. A 'lite' smear of a good high pressure grease. Don't dollop it on or you may have slipping issues.