Anchor chain slipping

[lawrence_craig]

Hi all,

When I try to raise my anchor (10mm chain on a Lewmar windlass), the chain slips at times. The windlass is same age as the boat (13 years). I suspect that the gripper is worn and therefore not gripping the chain effectively causing it to slip.

Is this likely? Any recommendations? Thanks!

[Captain Bill]

Your diagnosis is probably correct, assuming that your chain is not badly rusted. The other possibility is that the clutch is slipping. If the gypsy is still turning, its the former, if the gypsy js not turning it's the later. Gypsies are pretty easy to replace, just make sure you buy the correct one for your chain. Clutches can be tightened or replaced depending on the type in your particular windlass.

[tkeithlu]

More likely the cogs don't exactly fit the chain. Mixing metric chain with an SAE winch commonly causes that. 25 mm is not one inch. I've had the same problem with a rode advertised as being a particular SAE size, but actually a tiny bit different. It skips about once per rotation.

[tkeithlu]

My post is not a rebutal to Capt. Bill's post. We both wrote at the same time. Between us, we've covered the possibilities. Good luck with it.

[Captain Bill]

Originally Posted by tkeithlu

More likely the cogs don't exactly fit the chain. Mixing metric chain with an SAE winch commonly causes that. 25 mm is not one inch. I've had the same problem with a rode advertised as being a particular SAE size, but actually a tiny bit different. It skips about once per rotation.

I thought of that too, but I thought that an original windlass on a Bavaria in Greece was unlikely to have an SAE chain. However if he has replaced the chain he might have bought a different type that was close but not quite the same as the original.



OP did this start happening after a chain replacement?

[tkeithlu]

A key might be whether in actuality the wheel slips or the chain jumps. Mine jumps, but I'm still using that rode because it doesn't matter as long as there is enough contact between the windlass and the chain. Noisy, yes.

[Chotu]

There’s another possibility.

The chain could be jumping the “gripper” because it’s twisted.

Mine does this all the time. I anchor for long periods of time and end up with a fairly twisted chain. (Don’t use swivels).

It will jump a bit on the gypsy as it untwists.

[skipmac]

I think the OP needs to clarify. Slipping as in the chain smoothly slows down as it retrieves or slipping as in the chain periodically jumps or jerks.

If the former then possibly a clutch problem.

If the latter then if the chain didn't jump in the past then either the gypsy is worn or the chain has stretched.

Disclaimer: there are other explanations for either problem but I think these are the most likely.