What is this windlass?

[dougsmithbc]

This windlass came as is with my boat. I've tested it and it does work. I'd like to refurbish it and would also like information about it. Can anyone help identify what the make is? My guess is it's about 45-50 years old. Thanks for any help.

[Orion Jim]

Home made accident waiting to happen. Count your fingers and toes after use....

[dougsmithbc]

Obviously the cover is missing, remnants of it are attached to the base. I'd be making a new one for it.

[Bill O]

Looks like fairly basic windlass guts, but can't tell model. Any markings on the electric motor?
Would check electric motor (brushes, contacts), lube gear shafts and make new cover. Should be good for a few years more.

edit: single post on motor= non-reversing motor, so should have a way to engage/disengage the drum and gyspy to free fall the anchor.

[dougsmithbc]

Thanks Bill, already figured it's one way, still working through it for the free fall thing. One label on the motor and one on bottom of base, both pretty much unreadable.

[Bill O]

I'm sure you saw it but it looks like a "USA" on motor and can sort of make out the serial number on the base plate.

[dougsmithbc]

Yup, one of the reasons I want to keep it cuz it seems to be well made. Another reason is it's original to the boat. It was built in Seattle by Fairliner. Specifically designed and built for the president of Heidelberg and used in a program for marine safety and rescue.

[JPA Cate]

Maybe if you found a museum skills forum, you could discover a way to heighten the legibility of the faded bits? decipher more of what begins UN there? Underwood? Universal? A mystery.

[Scubaseas]

That's a lot of faith in two cheapy hose clamps. Might be an older "Powerwinch"

[Dougtiff]

To free fall there needs to be a CLUTCH, i don't see one, usually a handle is inserted, so the rate of decent can be controlled.

[Emmalina]

About all you can do is new brushes and bearings so I don't think you need a manual for that !