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IdoraKeeper · 28-09-2014, 18:16

Got a little time on my hands. Thinking about attaching an electric motor to the low speed side of my windlass. Maybe even make a coupling and use a large cordless drill to pull up the rode prior to the dead lift. Anybody ever try this?

sailorboy1 · 28-09-2014, 18:26

just an FYI - a replacement motor for my windlass last year was about 40% of a whole new unit.

UNCIVILIZED · 28-09-2014, 18:37

Tom Neale, who writes for/wrote for "Cruising World" amongst other things, made mention of permanently affixing an automobile starter motor to their manual windlass. After which he sealed it up & called it good. It's mentioned in his book "All in The Same Boat: Family Live Aboard & Cruising". IIRC, I read it back in '97 when I was living on the hook, with lots of time on my hands.

And supposedly, Ideal Windlass's are powered by Chevy starter motors. Something I seriously intend to look into. As (in theory at least) it make having spares around, cheap & easy.

Ryan H · 28-09-2014, 20:18

Haven't done it yet, but you may want to look out for a permanent magnet motor from a treadmill. Big enough, powerful enough, can be made water tight with a PVC housing if on deck, probably better off mounted below deck but my drag turbine has spent it's life on deck and been okay. Let me know how you do.

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IdoraKeeper · 29-09-2014, 11:26

Good idea about the starter motor. I don't want to cut any holes in my teak deck which (knock on wood) has no leaks. That means the battery and motor need to be stashed below until it's needed. Making a portable power pack will be interesting. The ultimate lifting power will be unlikely to be able to lift that big old CQR over the roller but if I can speed up the recovery of the majority of the chain that will be a big help.

**a64pilot** · 29-09-2014, 12:46

Here you go, this is how we used to start Drag bikes, very portable
STARTER, HIGH-TORQUE, SUZUKI/KAWASAKI

IdoraKeeper · 29-09-2014, 13:25

Good idea but its gotta be clockwise rotation.

roland stockham · 29-09-2014, 13:35

Haven't thought this out but it just occurred to me reading this post.
What about using an air spanner with a windlass drum attached. Lots of tauque (they do up wheel nuts!) adjustable ratchet for if anything jams and the compressor can be mounted near the batteries so no need for long cable runs or a separate battery, just a single air line. Units are very rugged and designed for continuous shop us.

rwidman · 29-09-2014, 13:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdoraKeeper

Got a little time on my hands. Thinking about attaching an electric motor to the low speed side of my windlass. Maybe even make a coupling and use a large cordless drill to pull up the rode prior to the dead lift. Anybody ever try this?

Not to state the obvious, but have you considered just installing an electric windlass?

IdoraKeeper · 29-09-2014, 14:19

Yes I have but wouldn't it be cool to just walk forward with a big old multiple purpose drill and crank up most of the rode without all the drilling of holes and pulling of heavy wire and installing of breakers?

roland stockham · 29-09-2014, 14:31

Also if you already have a good manual one fitted be nice to add power without having to replace the whole unit

IdoraKeeper · 29-09-2014, 14:35

And it still retains all manual functions when they are needed.

Stumble · 29-09-2014, 14:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdoraKeeper

Yes I have but wouldn't it be cool to just walk forward with a big old multiple purpose drill and crank up most of the rode without all the drilling of holes and pulling of heavy wire and installing of breakers?

The reason you need to pull those big cables is to carry enough charge to actually pull up hundreds of pounds of steel. Sure you can get an electric motor to the bow, but I don't think an electric drill is going to have enough battery power to matter much.

You might be able to mount a starter motor, or anther scavenged electric motor, but you will still have to run the wires.

rwidman · 29-09-2014, 14:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdoraKeeper

Yes I have but wouldn't it be cool to just walk forward with a big old multiple purpose drill and crank up most of the rode without all the drilling of holes and pulling of heavy wire and installing of breakers?

Some folks get a kick out of doing things differently or doing them the hard way. Certainly if folks saw you doing this and understood what you were doing, they would remember you.

Other folks are content on doing things the tried and proven way even if it's not as exciting. Personally, I did pull the heavy wires and install a breaker. It was a little work up front but now I can just push a button to raise my anchor. My way becomes really convenient if it's raining or we are in heavy seas.