Seatiger 555 Windlass: Repair Advice Needed

[GalvestonBay]

We could start a Sea Tiger website...

I have been working on the windlass because it hauled in but didn't pay out. Suggestions that the gipsy could be stuck to the brake cone were close. Actually the gipsy was stuck to the shaft and because it couldnt move sideways didn't disengage from the brake cone anymore.
I used the OTC 6980 heavy duty brake drum puller to pull off the gipsy. This required significant force and I was glad the gipsy is a strong piece of foundry. I had to saw off the pin that prevents the chain from coming off the gipsy otherwise it is not possible to get the gipsy off completely. I don't think this will matter because the chain drop is good but we will see. I polished the shaft with fine waterproof sanding paper and put the whole assembly back together: working as advertised.

[Christian Van H]

The website I posted earlier does sell the chain stripper pin if you need a new one... But I had to press mine out to get my gypsy off.

[GalvestonBay]

I actually sawed off the stripper as close as possible to the gypsy and hope it works, otherwise i am thinking of placing a fitting tube on the remains like capping a tooth.

[phboujon]

Hi guys,

I am currently trying to take apart my SeaTiger 555 as well. It is heavily corroded. Like you, I had to saw off the chain stripper. While I was able to remove the gypsy, the drum on the other side is stuck. I see the key (#50 on diagram) that hold it onto the shaft, but it looks very corroded.

How are you been able to pull the drum out? Once the bolt and washer that secure it to the main shaft are removed, should it come out or am I missing something?

Thanks
Philippe

[GalvestonBay]

Originally Posted by phboujon

Hi guys,

I am currently trying to take apart my SeaTiger 555 as well. It is heavily corroded. Like you, I had to saw off the chain stripper. While I was able to remove the gypsy, the drum on the other side is stuck. I see the key (#50 on diagram) that hold it onto the shaft, but it looks very corroded.

How are you been able to pull the drum out? Once the bolt and washer that secure it to the main shaft are removed, should it come out or am I missing something?

Thanks
Philippe

I haven't taken the drum off. I was dome when the gipsy was loose again. It did take quite some force to take it off. As everything is working now I have not gone into further deconstruction and hope to avoid that.

[Moufflon]

Hi All you very helpful guy's. I pounded away and got the thing stripped, didn't find anything, so put it back together (Springs are a xxxxzzz to get back in place), pulled the crank handle ant IT WORKS! yippeee.

RGS///Pete

[CaptHead]

I just found this thread and I am trying to fix my 555. It works fine but it leaks and got the bow of the boat all messed up. My question is, do you think it's only seals or do I need he bushings too?

Second, what oil do you use and how do you fill it?

[CaptHead]

I found out it's supposed to be packed with 5 pounds of special grease. I opened mine up to find it only had a small amount that sat on the gasket. My teeth in the gears were dry but everything looks great. I found the seal that's on spindle washer looked worn but that's it.

Looking at the parts prices I'm thinking they are the only game in town and they don't need a gun.
WOW!

[elliowb]

Thought I'd post a link to my website where I have a PDF file that documents my rebuild of my Sea Tiger. There are a few quirks to the rebuild and I've tried to provide photos and descriptions of how to avoid problems.

Here's the link:
Rebuilding the Windlass – Belle Voile

-- Bill
Belle Voile
PSC 34