Best Windlass for 1/4"HT... Anyone ?

[jimbim]

I use 1/4"HT chain. My opinion is, from windlasses I have seen and had unfortunate experiences with, that windlasses with such smallish gypsies tend to be somewhat lightweight and underbuilt. The quality is not there.

Is there a quality windlass out there with a 1/4"HT gypsy that is built to take long-term abuse? I won't say money is no object, but it really is the least of my concerns when it comes to such gear.

cheers and thanks

[jcapo]

I have a 23 year old Lighthouse windlass that just started leaking grease. They are very nice but pricey. Pick your chain size.

Lighthouse Windlass at Defender

John

[jimbim]

Thanks jcapo. That is an impressive lifespan for a windlass. How often do you service it? Were any significant parts, such as the motor, replaced in that time.

Suppose there has also been a lot of windlass innovation and change in that time. Do you believe yours is similar in major ways to what they are selling now?

[jcapo]

The PO had it serviced at the factory in 1995. As far as I know that is the only servicing. Based on discussion with Lighthouse, the motor is original. The only things that can fail are the motor and the seals. Maybe the bearings if the windlass was really worked hard.

But its really an expensive windlass today.

John

[Cheechako]

The Maxwell1000 vertical appears to come in a 1/4 gypsy. Maxwell VW1000 Series Vertical Windlass this one has the capstan too.

I had very good performance with Maxwell chromed bronze windlasses. No breakdowns ever, even though two were used when I got them. Early on I was a proponant of horizontal windlasses. I did have some chain over-ride and jamming problems with those. Then I got a boat that I had only room for the vertical. So I put a new 3500 on. Never had a jamming problem on any of the three with a Maxwell vertical.