Lofrans windlass, chain jumping.

[Terra Nova]

Forget about Mickey Mousing it with an extra wheel. Replace the damaged chain with one properly sized to the gypsy.

[Herreshoff]

All interesting responses. Thanks.
This seems to be a problem for a lot of people. After rooming Sydney city for something to use as a fly wheel (whatever we are calling it) to increase the angled the chain, and thus the rap, I found nothing. I did bring home a belt cog from a Toyota camery but it was too small. It turns out I had enough spare scrap on the boat to make one up. Time will tell if it's sturdy enough. I'll have to wait till tomorrow to give it a proper go.

I'll put the photos on now.


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[Herreshoff]

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[Herreshoff]

That sounds like a good solution Graham. Mine is also a long distance from gypsy to the bow roller (near the end of he bow sprit) too. I like the removable pin idea.

Some else mentioned the number of links making contact. Before I had 2 at best now it's more like 3-3.5. Will wait and see if it's strong enough. If not I have a good idea of how to make one now and can improve on it in the future.


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[groundtackle]

Terra Nova. It's not a damage issue, not a chain /sprocket fit issue. This is a horizontal windlass minimal engagement design issue. Mickey or Minnie is never an intended way to fix this. What are you talking about? I'm insulted...You have a better idea, lets hear it. I have done this and it works.
ce

[Herreshoff]

Would you happen to have a photo of your set up ground tackle?

I just tested mine and it didn't jump once. It is a bit more noisy than it was before with my metal on chain set up. I will give it a proper good test tomorrow and might add some rubber into the mix. I'm feeling this might be a prototype.


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[Terra Nova]

There are many 1,000's of these horizontal windlasses installed which have no need for DIY extra rollers.

[stnick]

I have a lofrans windless on my 38 morgan I raised the windless 4 inches off the deck to give it a fair lead . If the chain has a to long a run from the roller to the windless gypsy, there is a chance chain will jump around.
A guide would seem to be the answer . As simple as a trailer roller and custom bracket. Chain under the new guide and on to the windless . Lee Tarpon Springs fl

[ramblinrod]

One thing not mentioned yet, is the amount of fall into the locker. The longer the fall, the more weight of chain keeping the locker end in contact with the gypsy. How high is the bow roller, in relation to the gypsy. This also affects the number of links in contact. The last issue I notice in your install, is the chain entry port seems aft of vertical from where the chain leaves the gypsy. The contact area on the gypsy should be at least 90 degrees. More is better. Yours is considerably less. The idler idea will work to increase the amount of wrap, but a better solution would be to lower the bow roller, raise the windless and move the entry port forward. Else you are increasing the mechanics to bandaid for install issues.

[groundtackle]

H, I need to build it or at least draw it to get a pic. It is for that small dia muir sprocket. I'll get on it.
TN, I was hoping for more than a thousand out there. When I go into full production I'll need to cover those start up costs.
S, yes I agree the distance makes the chain jump. Trailer rollers appear like a inexpensive solution but they just dont stand up, maybe there are really good ones i have dont know about. Delrin works, so does aluminum and stainless.
RR, Agree, the hawse cannot effect the lead. Locker fall hight is important too, I have found if you really load them it will overcome the chain weight and away it jumps. If they jump once the sprocket gets worn, then they start jumping more.
As I said earlier, to get more chain contact you would need to raise the windlass/ lower the bow roller a foot or more to make a signifigant difference.
ce
vertical windlass sounds like a good idea.

[ddavis4464]

One other thought. If the chain is old there may be some stretched links, with marginal chain wrap it can drive you nuts. Good luck

[Herreshoff]

So far I've had great results from the custom job of adding another roller to increase the number of links engaged with the gypsy. It has worked perfectly so far. I also removed the first 10m of chain for it was thinning slightly and thus not gripping very well on the gypsy. Before this I had removed all of the 100m of chain from the chain locker, unravelled the bits which were kinked, and put the chain back neatly. By doing this I have gained a significant amount more space in the chain locker and thus the fall distance is also greater. As a result the chain grips the gypsy better.

I feel now that the gypsy is the right size and that the angle leading from the gypsy to the bow roller was the main issue.

I completely agree that changing the relative height of the windlass to the bow roller would have the same effect. I was originally going to mount the windlass on a thick piece of hardwood but decided it would leave the windlass and all it's protruding parts to high of the deck for my liking.

I can't see a problem with customising the angle of the chain like I have done and like other posters with horizontals have also done. I could do a better job if I ever have to do it again but feel it will continue working as is, until such time as I find myself lacking in a project on the boat (so never!).

Thanks for all the help!





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[stnick]

when i installed my Lofrans windless it had a gypsy for 3/8 chain i had to switch to 5/16 chain i ordered a new gypsy from Go 2 Marine it works fine now

[stnick]

The chain Must match the gypsy . !
I love this pin idea certainly done correctly . Fine a good SS welder and geter done !!