Windlass Chain Fairlead Roller?

[montenido]

Hi all,
I just got back from a quick 3-day trip and wanted to update you on the performance of my windlass fairlead roller. It works really well. The roller is articulated, so it can move fore and aft as needed, and it keeps about 180 degrees of wrap on the gypsy, compared to barely 90 degrees before. This is all with a 80# Manson Supreme, the previous anchor was a 45# Bruce, so almost trice the anchor weight.
This is one of my few projects that perform as hoped for.

Cheers, Bill

[Tayana42]

Good for you Bill!

[Cheechako]

Great! You mean a 90 degree wrap right?

[svmariane]

Originally Posted by montenido

Hi everybody,

After many changes in concept and materials, I finally installed it today. Here are a couple of pictures of the install. The blue tape is there for the 4200. I used mostly parts from my used-parts chandlery. Probably cost about $80. There is an aluminum backing plate underneath.

Cheers, Bill

Very well done! Nice install, looks like original equipment. And as you said in a later post: It works, keeping the chain on the gypsy where it belongs!

I'll tip my hat to you, sir...

[ryon]

We had this same problem aboard the brig Pilgrim. It is no fun to haul up well over 600# of chain and anchor by hand, just to lose a third of it jumping off the wildcat! An idler somewhat similar to what you show cured our problem. Not a lick of trouble since.

[BillyDoc]

On a new installation, would it be possible to install a grooved roller similar to the one used under and forward of the gypsy so the chain wrapped further around on the underside before dropping into the chain locker? There would be much less force on the roller in that location, and the possibility of getting more than 180 degrees of chain on the gypsy.

Of course in an existing installation the hawse pipe would then be in the wrong place . . .

Bill

[Cheechako]

a 180 degree turn in a car send you back the direction you came from... same for a gypsy right? :>)

[ryon]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

a 180 degree turn in a car send you back the direction you came from... same for a gypsy right? :>)

If you'll allow me to be pedantic, several turns are usually taken around the gypsy, as it is the part of the windlass with the spool. The part with the teeth for positively gripping chain is called the 'wildcat', and 90-degrees is not always enough.

[sy_gilana]

Nice Job!. I have done one before. The biggest problem of a horizontal shaft windlass is wrap angle, its usually 90. You need more engagement to de-stress the entire arrangement. Your Wildcat will have a much longer life now. The only observation I would make is that if your device oscillates a lot, you could increase the diameter of the roller for a smoother ride, and groove it for + chain orientation. AH, also, make sure the axle pin is quick release, so you can clear it in a hurry.

[sy_gilana]

Originally Posted by BillyDoc

On a new installation, would it be possible to install a grooved roller similar to the one used under and forward of the gypsy so the chain wrapped further around on the underside before dropping into the chain locker? There would be much less force on the roller in that location, and the possibility of getting more than 180 degrees of chain on the gypsy.

Of course in an existing installation the hawse pipe would then be in the wrong place . . .

Bill

Bill....Have done just that on a couple of cats, and one Bavaria 44. you are 100% correct, but the pipe location was irrelevant in those boats because the windlass was mounted inside a locker on a shelf, we just moved the w/lass 3" back. Increasing the angle of wrap on the slack side is a standard engineering practice, chains, sprockets, belts, conveyors etc...

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by ryon

If you'll allow me to be pedantic, several turns are usually taken around the gypsy, as it is the part of the windlass with the spool. The part with the teeth for positively gripping chain is called the 'wildcat', and 90-degrees is not always enough.

Ah yes, you are correct.... all this time I thought we were talking about a chain rode overriding the Wildcat... and just jumped into the gypsy jargon when that was used.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Ah yes, you are correct.... all this time I thought we were talking about a chain rode overriding the Wildcat... and just jumped into the gypsy jargon when that was used.

Really confused now though... as a 180 on a Gypsy will get you no help at all!

[Tayana42]

At the risk of also being pedantic, the chain wheel on a windlass is called gypsy in the UK and a wildcat in the US. Both are the same thing. The other side of the windlass usually has a rope drum or warping drum.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Tayana42

At the risk of also being pedantic, the chain wheel on a windlass is called gypsy in the UK and a wildcat in the US. Both are the same thing. The other side of the windlass usually has a rope drum or warping drum.

I guess I wasnt as confused as I thought I was....

[Cotemar]

Originally Posted by Tayana42

At the risk of also being pedantic, the chain wheel on a windlass is called gypsy in the UK and a wildcat in the US. Both are the same thing. The other side of the windlass usually has a rope drum or warping drum.

Interesting.
I am from the US and have always called it a gypsy. Never a wildcat

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