Chain/Rope on a Lofrans Chain Gipsy

[deluxe68]

Still shopping for the right windlass to put on our boat and really like the Lofrans Caymans model. But, the gipsy is chain only. I have read that some people have this type of setup and use a chain/rope combo. I am trying to imagine how to switch from pulling the rope in on the left (drum) then switching to the right (gipsy) when the chain comes up.

Would this gipsy be able to pull 8-plaith at all? I was wondering if it would work ok as long as there was not too much tension.

[rslifkin]

Have you looked at any other windlasses in that size range? Some are meant to be chain only on the gypsy, others will handle a combo rode nicely. I can personally confirm that the Maxwell HRC10 handles a combo rode well. Just have to be a little gentle on the rope to chain transition when retrieving, especially if there's any significant tension.

[GordMay]

I believe that the CAYMAN Horizontal Windlass comes with both independent chain Gypsy and rope drum.
➥ https://www.lofrans.com/product/71-h...5004-cayman-88

[deluxe68]

Originally Posted by GordMay

I believe that the CAYMAN Horizontal Windlass comes with both independent chain Gypsy and rope drum.
➥ https://www.lofrans.com/product/71-h...5004-cayman-88

Yes I know that.

[deluxe68]

Originally Posted by rslifkin

Have you looked at any other windlasses in that size range? Some are meant to be chain only on the gypsy, others will handle a combo rode nicely. I can personally confirm that the Maxwell HRC10 handles a combo rode well. Just have to be a little gentle on the rope to chain transition when retrieving, especially if there's any significant tension.

Yes I have looked at other windlass brands and styles. My question is using a chain/rope combo on a specific Lofrans windlass.

[Chotu]

It pulls rope of sufficient size on the chain side. That’s a V shaped groove in the centerline of the Gypsy.

I have the same one and my rode transitions from chain to rope rode. My transition could have been done better so it doesn’t handle that part well, but it’ll pull rope rode all day.

[fxykty]

Originally Posted by Chotu

It pulls rope of sufficient size on the chain side. That’s a V shaped groove in the centerline of the Gypsy.

I have the same one and my rode transitions from chain to rope rode. My transition could have been done better so it doesn’t handle that part well, but it’ll pull rope rode all day.

This.

Our Lofrans Falkon handles rope on the chain gypsy - it’s designed for that with the extended v-groove. As long as the rope is about the size of the chain. If it’s smaller, such as with Dyneema line, it will slip and you’ll have to use the rope drum.

Ordinarily the rope drum would be used if you have a majority rope rode, or are hoisting a sail or someone up the mast.

[deluxe68]

Originally Posted by Chotu

It pulls rope of sufficient size on the chain side. That’s a V shaped groove in the centerline of the Gypsy.

I have the same one and my rode transitions from chain to rope rode. My transition could have been done better so it doesn’t handle that part well, but it’ll pull rope rode all day.

Thanks for the info. What type/size of chain and rope are you using?

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by deluxe68

Thanks for the info. What type/size of chain and rope are you using?

I think I have 3/8 BBB and 3/4” 3 strand.

Chain may be incorrect. I’ve had a couple boats and a lot of years here. Lol

[KBDick]

My hand cranked Lofrans only likes three strand nylon after the chain.

[Captain Anthony]

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