Windlass help requested

[bottleinamessage]

Yesterday AM while retrieving the anchor in Ft. Pierce, FL, the windlass began making VERY bad noises. Grinding, squealing, like metal to metal! It got the anchor up fine and we continued to Lake Worth. I've postponed crossing to the Bahamas until i get this resolved.

The windlass is a GDI. It's most likely foreign as the boat is a Jeanneau.
The motor is dated 1990. I can't find anything, anywhere on these and (of course) I have no manual.

Does anyone know of a place or person in this area that might be able to assist? I began removing it yesterday and will complete that task this morning.

Thanks, Jay

[Pblais]

You might be able to disassemble it and clean / grease the gears. It's likly to need it. In the process you may find something worn or broken.

If the motor works and it will haul chain then you should be able to fix it. GDI were a popular electric windlass sold in europe. I have no clue if they are still in business. I did a quick search and could not come up with a hit.

[GordMay]

I’ve often seen references to “Goiot/GDI" Windlass, on Jeanneaus.
Perhaps Goiot accquired GDI?

Goiot windlasses:
Electric and manual windlass, capstan, foot switch

Goïot (Head office and factory)
3 rue du Chêne Lassé
BP 89
44814 SAINT HERBLAIN
France
Tél. : (33) 240.92.29.30
Fax : (33) 240.92.29.40
Email : info@goiot.com

[Kanani]

Paul is right again. I've pulled many a windlass apart (mine and other's) to find ground up bushings that can usually be made by a machine shop.

Most people don't take their windlasses apart, clean and grease them like they should. If you anchor a lot, you will learn to do it yearly or at least semi-annually. You may be able to take the rubber seals to an automotive bearing warehouse and match them up. I'll bet that you find water inside when you tear it down.