Lofrans Albatross Windlass - Strong?

[Sailor 99]

I have a 50 foot boat with a Lofrans Albatross windlass and a 1500 watt motor. It is all currently out getting rebuilt.

I intend to put a 100lb spade anchor on the bow with about 400 feet of G4
chain. G4 chain weighs 1.5 lbs per foot. If I had a situation where I had 100 feet of chaining hanging down in deep water with the 100 lb spade on it for a total 250lbs,would this windlass life that weight?

[steve77]

Somebody may have exact specs, but I will tell you that we have a very old Albatros on Orontes II, and we have lifted over 250 lbs with it. We have a 12 Volt 1500 Watt motor.

Our chain is 2.4 lbs/ft and our Mantus is 85 lbs. We have certainly anchored in over 70 feet of water, which is a little over 250 lbs. If your windlass is being freshly serviced and your electrical installation is up to snuff, you should have no problem with lifting your anchor and chain.

Cheers!

Steve

[Sailor 99]

Thanks Steve

[Sailor 99]

I have another question Steve. Does your windlass power down. It looks to me like the windlass should not operate in reverse due to the ratchet and pawls in the drive units. Parts 399 and 405.



Currently my drive does operate in reverse and I think its likely because the pawls are jammed. Looking at the drawings I don't know how it could operate in reverse. When we rebuild I don't think I will have those pawls put back.


Your thoughts?

[steve77]

I found my original spec sheet from Lofrans and the Albatros with 1500 Watt motor is rated for 1320 lb lift at 32-43 feet/min.

We power down when lowering chain. Our motor is reversible. I understand what you mean about the pawls only engaging when raising chain. I struggled with this myself.

When lowering chain, you just tighten the nut on top of the capstan. This will provide enough friction internally to lower the chain. If while sailing we have been in some seas and the chain has moved about in the locker, then the chain will sometimes fall over upon itself. When this happens the windlass is unable to pull the chain out of the locker and I have to clear it by hand. All of the strength of the windlass is for raising, not lowering.

But it absolutely will lower the anchor and chain under power.

Cheers!

Steve