Maxwell RC8-8 anchor windlass

[sailscubasurf]

Hello,

I just installed a Maxwell RC8-8 on my Santana 37 and would like other Maxwell owners advice on maintenance. In the manual it has a pretty aggressive maintenance schedule, ie. having the motor serviced every year by a factory technician.

I would like to hear from other Maxwell owners on their experiences, how often they service the windlass, etc.

Thanks,

Gary

[ranger58sb]

Ours is an RC10-10, 10 years old now, same instructions in the manual... and I service it annually... myself.

-Chris

[a64pilot]

What do you service yearly, change gearbox oil and inspect brushes?
Where do you get replacement brushes? How long do they last?
Do they brushes have a line on them that indicates wear limit?
Sorry for all the questions, I have yet to do anything to mine.

[ranger58sb]

I should have been more clear. I've only cleaned (chainwheel, etc.), re-greased (clutch, etc.), and checked gearbox oil as described in the "Every 3 Months" maintenance instructions.

I've done nothing about servicing the motor or the gearbox. Haven't seen any "rust build-up" to worry about.

-Chris

[hurricanehole]

Hi Sailscuba-I'm about to buy a RC8-8 and would like to know how heavy your anchor is and any experience with the windlass you'd like to share. I have a Mantus 45 pds. for my Snowgoose 34. THks

[UNCIVILIZED]

Originally Posted by hurricanehole

Hi Sailscuba-I'm about to buy a RC8-8 and would like to know how heavy your anchor is and any experience with the windlass you'd like to share. I have a Mantus 45 pds. for my Snowgoose 34. THks

It's not just about the anchor by any means, but rather about the weight of your entire ground tackle package, chain included (especially). And to some degree about the size/windage of your vessel, though less so.
The suggested minimum is to have your lifting/pulling power be 3x times the weight of your ground tackle. And bigger (within reason) tends to be better.

[hurricanehole]

I suppose I'm not too concerned about total weight as the windlass only is pulling up some of the weight at a time. I know this since I've been the windlass for quite a few yanks on the ank, 25 years. I singlehand usually and pull up on the anchor when it's windy, run up and get in as much line or chain as possible. Then go back pull forward and etc.

[UNCIVILIZED]

Originally Posted by hurricanehole

I suppose I'm not too concerned about total weight as the windlass only is pulling up some of the weight at a time.

What happens then when you snag something heavy?

[hurricanehole]

Last time that happened we had been waiting in West Palm for the weather to clear and I got called up front for help. We snagged a scaffold and my back went out.

[leftbrainstuff]

We do all our own maintenance.

Unless you're working it hard every day the maintenance requirements are trivial.

Check oil level. Keep it clean. Ensure your chain is in good order.

I can see a need to engage a Maxwell technician.

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