jumping windlass

[Tayana42]

Admiralslater, I had the same problem with my Vitas/Lofrans Tigres windlass. The manufacturer's installation specs call for at least 90* contact of the chain on the gypsy. My windlass is in a well in the foredeck so the lead is less than 90*. The chain would jump out of the gypsy while lowering the anchor and sometimes while raising it. We solved the problem with two adaptations. We had fabricated a guide bolted on the back side of the windlass to keep the chain from jumping. And since the old gypsy had been abraded by years of this problem before we bought the boat, we bought a new gypsy. The fit of the chain in the new gypsy is noticeably better. I suggest you do that first even though it is expensive ( over $400 USD ). Here is a photo of our solutions.


S/V B'Shert

[Terra Nova]

Let's see photos.

The lead must be fair. And the chain must match the gypsy, which must be in serviceable condition.

42--I like the anti-jump stop.

[admiralslater]

Learning everyday. I now know that I have a horizontal windlass. One of the nice things about the setup is that I do have good fall into the chain locker, when I looked at the gypsy it does not appear worn. The engines only have 1100 hours on them and the boat lived on a mooring most of its life. I only mention this to indicate wear. I imagine that looking for wear on the gypsy is simple, rounded corners and such. I will measure the chain and report back
Thanks everyone
David

[darylat8750]

Tayana42's modification (post#16) looks like a simple and effective fix. KISS

[hgd137]

I had the same problem with a vertical windless. I solved it by replacing the worn gypsy with a new one.