Windlass Identification....HELP!

[capt.cam]

Can anyone identify this windlass? It's on a 1979 Mason 43. The helpful folks on the Mason forum thought possibly a Nilsson but Nilsson says no. Ideal windlass can't identify it either. I need to maintain it and will eventually need to rebuild it? It is electric with a motor and gearbox below decks. Any ideas?

[cabo_sailor]

I'm sorry but no, that looks like a real antique. I just replaced my 26 yr old windlass which was a Maxwell-Nillson. I think you are going to have to start searching for a new windlass. I bought a new Maxwell and found someone who would take out the old and try to rebuild it for his own boat and install the new one as part of the deal

Fortunately after sending pix to Maxwell, they told me what models have the same footprint. I could re glass the old holes and cut new ones easily enough but this saves a bunch of work.

Machines wear out, like people, there comes a time for replacement.

Hope someone can give you better info.

Rich


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[JPA Cate]

cabosailor has a reasonable point of view.

However, if it is really old, it may be more cost effective to go take it apart and take the bits to a machine shop and have them make you up new ones of the bits that need to be re-done....this can be a lot cheaper than a new windlass.

Ann

[capt.cam]

Thanks for the replies. I really like the windlass and she seems strong so my main goal for now is to maintain her. I just want to make sure I do it correctly.

[Badsanta]

Take photos as you remove it. Take it to a electric motor starter repair shop and have the motor gone over. You can probably figure out the seals. It looks robust and sound. disasimbly should be easy. Re grease, replace seals. good for another 30 years. IMOHO

[Badsanta]

You can just change replace gear oil. Also remove the gypsy clean corrosion and grease the shaft.

[Cheechako]

Yeah, disassemble and inspect the gears before you spend $ having the motor gone through. If the Gears look good, not a lot of gear debris in the oil etc, then look at the brushes. If they are long you may need to do nothing but clean up the armature, inspect the bushings/bearings and reassemble.
I've been amazed at how little brush wear there often is in old motors that are used very intermittently like a windlass.
They don't get enough rpms to wear much.