Lewmar Windlass Problem, Any Suggestions?

[Kenomac]

Our Oyster 53 came with a Concept/Ocean Capstan 1,2 & 3 windlass, which seems to be having an issue. The windlass will bring the anchor chain up, but will not lower the chain with the windlass motor. When the down switch (electric) is depressed, I can hear the motor running, but the gears do not engage. When bringing the anchor up there is no problem, I've been lowering the anchor by releasing the clutch via the winch handle.

Any suggestions as to the cause of the problem and ideas on how to solve the issue? Thanks in advance for your help.

Ken

[sailorboy1]

I know nothing about this windlass, but since it runs the first thing I would do is clean all contacts. Maybe it is just an aux contact off the down switch that isn't energizing a clutch.

[casual]

Had a like problem with a Lewmar windlass.There is a reverseing gear that can become damaged if the windlass is overloaded. This gear engages the main reverseing gear.I replaced mine problem solved.Lewmwr support was very quick and helpful.Good Luck

[Jentine]

There is no clutch. The problem is electrical. I would guess that the down contactor is not making the circuit. Check all the electrical connections to the motor and associated switches and breakers. I had the same problem last year and found it to be faulty wiring. I wired the NEW remote directly to the motor case and the problems were bypassed.

[levm]

I have the same problem with my Lewmar 48 winch. It works fine in one direction but wil not engage the winch in the opposit direction. The motor is running fine (it is NOT an electrical problem) but the gear is going click click click but do nothing. The manual option with a crank is working fine both ways. WTH is it???

[sobriyah]

Had the same problem with the same windlass when we were in Mallorca. The gearbox was broken and no-one even there could fix it. Either you accept you are going to be dropping it manually or it's a new windlass.

[Kenomac]

I don't mind and actually prefer to let down the chain manually. My only concern is it the "up" feature will also stop working shortly? Did you continue to operate your windlass successfully in this manner for some time, or did you have it replaced?

Lewmar and Oyster have sent me diagrams on how I can rebuild the gearbox and claim that the symptoms indicate that an inside pin is sticking; but I think it's beyond my mechanical ability and fear that I'll end up with a windlass that doesn't work at all if I or someone else doesn't get it back together right.

Thanks

Ken