Convert Windlass to Hydraulic - Anyone done this?

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by KeelMe

Why oh Why do people find it necessary to overcomplicate their boats.

Wow, that’s helpful.

[Dougtiff]

Check out " Emerald Steel " on UTUBE, there is a video on converting a manual windlass to hydraulic.

[Fuss]

Thanks for all the comments so far.....
My boat has a 2000 watt 24v motor and the windlass is rated for 900 kg of pull running through a 70:1 gearbox with a 25mm shaft.
The reason I wanted to change to hydraulic is that i was using an hydraulic windlass some time back and in strong winds I just pushed the up button till it stopped and then waited 5 seconds and pushed it again, no worry of burning anything out as it simply stopped when overloaded...i wanted to see if I could achieve a similar result by going hydraulic.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by Fuss

Thanks for all the comments so far.....
My boat has a 2000 watt 24v motor and the windlass is rated for 900 kg of pull running through a 70:1 gearbox with a 25mm shaft.
The reason I wanted to change to hydraulic is that i was using an hydraulic windlass some time back and in strong winds I just pushed the up button till it stopped and then waited 5 seconds and pushed it again, no worry of burning anything out as it simply stopped when overloaded...i wanted to see if I could achieve a similar result by going hydraulic.

We need more info like size and weight of boat etc. otherwise, this discussion is pointless.

[Fuss]

15 Meters, 25 Tons , 10mm chain and 60kg anchor

[Eigenvector]

Posting the resulting spreadsheet for those who are interested. As is shown this is an iterative process in design for which there are multiple solutions.

Disclaimer: Due to excess Turkey and Wine yesterday, there may be errors but but I don't think so. If you find one let me know....or fix it on your own.

[Mike Banks]

I would be using the existing gear system and running a hydraulic motor where the electric motor used to be via an adaptor plate. Keep it as simple and light as possible.

[MartinR]

900kg... That means something like 250kg continuously. As long as the chain is horizontal, that would be about the same as 25hp engine power pushing the boat in the right direction, initially. Should be enough in normal circumstances.

I agree with the statement, that the windlass is not designed for more torque, so more than 2000W will not be feasible.

What about a radio remote control for the windlass. Then you can heave from the cockpit at the same time as you motor up to your chain. They come cheap.

[Eigenvector]

Either the wine or turkey got me. Found an error in the line pull calculation.

[Sea Angel1]

Pls check again your Excel calc.
The max. pulling force is theoretically 1230 N or 123 kg and not 1600 N! If the pressure is 150 bar.
Apply 85 % mechanical eff, resulting in 1045 N or 102,5 kg.
At max. speed the torque and pulling force will decrease with appr. 10% because of pressure drop in the system.
A professional made system will not leak a drop.
Do apply always oilfilters.
Do use a constant delivery hydraulic pump and no variable displacement pump for these small hp's. Too expensive and too complicate for this purpose.

If wanted more info just drop me an e-mail.

[Fuss]

Originally Posted by Sea Angel1

Pls check again your Excel calc.
The max. pulling force is theoretically 1230 N or 123 kg and not 1600 N! If the pressure is 150 bar.
Apply 85 % mechanical eff, resulting in 1045 N or 102,5 kg.
At max. speed the torque and pulling force will decrease with appr. 10% because of pressure drop in the system.
A professional made system will not leak a drop.
Do apply always oilfilters.
Do use a constant delivery hydraulic pump and no variable displacement pump for these small hp's. Too expensive and too complicate for this purpose.

If wanted more info just drop me an e-mail.

Thanks also for the reply.
I am still trying to get the pump to motor size ratio understood.
I need a pulling force far higher that 102kg. I would like to have 1000kg.
For this I cannot understand what sized pump, pressure and flow compared to what sized motor I need to achieve this and whether a geared down transfer box is also required.
If it all ends up being too big then I would stay with the 2000 watt 24v solution through a 70:1 reduction gearbox.

Thanks again for all the replies

[MartinR]

First, what is the SWL of your chain. Secondly, what load is your windlass designed for. If it is designed for 350kg, it will probably fail at 1000.

1000kg is a very high pulling force. About the same as the bollard pull of a 100hp engine.

[MartinR]

Originally Posted by KeelMe

Why oh Why do people find it necessary to overcomplicate their boats.

[Fuss]

Originally Posted by MartinR

I can't pull my anchor up in over 25kts of wind without having to be extremely careful that I do not overload the 24v motor.
The boat is around 30 tons and sometimes I am singlehanding which makes the problem worse as it is not possible to motor up to the anchor while pulling the anchor up.
I know not all hydraulic windlasses are problem free, but if in future, I was able to pull my anchor up in 45 - 50 kts of wind, I would rate this as an extreme improvement in the general safety on my boat.

[Matt Johnson]

Originally Posted by Fuss

I am singlehanding which makes the problem worse as it is not possible to motor up to the anchor while pulling the anchor up.

That's what I would work on to correct. Why can you not motor towards the anchor while the windlass raises just the chain? You should have control for the windlass at the helm or via remote.

Matt