Windlass Speed

[jeremiason]

We experienced the same thing down here in Central America and are currently waiting on parts.

Our windless is a Lewmar 1200. It was slow under load and after several minutes of use would pop the curcuit breaker.

The first thing I thought of, and also was advised by fellow owners, was to check the electrical connections, which sometimes rust, especially arond the conotroller since it is housed under the windless.

The windless motor and gear are buried below deck and convieneantly located behind the washing machine.

When I got back there, I found the windless was leaking a small amount of oil. All the electrical connections were prestine.

I pulled the windless apart and found the the oil seal had failed, causing the oil resevior to run dry and the gears were badly damaged. I was really suprized, since it didn't appear to be that much oil below the windless, but found later it contains less than a 8 oz of oil.

Anyway, if the electrical doesn't pan out, you might want to check the gears...

[sigmasailor]

Originally Posted by PaulSavage

Hi, at the risk of sounding stupid, I am having a problem with raising and lowering my anchor. Often at the start of the procedure the windlass is very slow, about on quarter of its usual rate. Then, as it has warmed up, so to speak, it suddenly jumps to its standard rate. We have a Beneteau 46, 2008 model. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Sounds like worn, damaged or stuck brushes. Could be a bad contact too; those usually get worse (not better as in your case); as temperature rises so will resistance. I can imagine a stuck brush to become unstuck after a short while.