Maxwell Freedom 800 Windlass won't grip the rode.

[rkarakai21]

Hey guys. We have a Maxwell freedom 800 Windlass that came with our boat. It is the model with the Capstan *gypsy head* on top. It has performed well hauling chain, but since we've had the boat we discovered you have to post somebody in the v berth, hauling on the 3 strand rode to get the windlass to grip it.

I finally tore the above deck capstan head down today as it is time for regular cleaning and greasing. It is pretty simple up top with only 4 or five different sections to pull apart. I found the bronze lower half of the clutch looked visibly worn, and the plastic "stripper" seems to be missing a little nub that locates it in a pinhole in between the two clutch drums. Cleaned it up, greased everything and same issue with the rode.

Before anyone asks, the rode is 5/8" three strand Nylon, as recommended by maxwell.

Anybody have issues with these?

[Sailmonkey]

I’ve got a maxwell RC800….so not identical, but really close.

The plastic “tensioner” for hauling line never lasted long enough to to any good. What has cured my line problems was using all the three strand for dock lines and switching to octoplait after the chain.

[rkarakai21]

Interesting, doesn't like three strand eh. So with 8 braid it grabs fine? Did you use the same size? 5/8"?

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by rkarakai21

Interesting, doesn't like three strand eh. So with 8 braid it grabs fine? Did you use the same size? 5/8"?

Yep, 5/16” Chain and 5/8” octo. It really likes the plait. I’ve never bothered to replace the plastic tensioner thinghy, it even passes the splice without hesitation.