Windlass question

[blue otter]

I'm not sure, please educate me. My windlass breaker keeps popping off and I'm not sure how to retrieve my anchor and chain if I free fall the anchor. It's all to heavy to lift by hand. I know that I can free fall if I need to , but again how do I get it up. Can I Crank the gypsy with a winch?

Thanks for help

[Sailmonkey]

What windlass do you have?

But yes, generally is you release the clutch you can hand crank the rhode in using a winch handle.


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[nigel1]

Disregarding the fact that there is likely a problem with the windlass in that the breaker keeps tripping, many electric windlasses have the ability to be hand cranked, but you would need to let us know the make and model of the windlass.

With some ingenuity, most chain and anchor systems could be recovered by the simple use of a rope, rolling hitch/hook and a winch.

[blue otter]

I'm not sure of the model....but a newer boat with standard equipment. There is place on top of the gypsy to insert a winch handle so I figured there probably is a way.

[nigel1]

What boat?

[blue otter]

A 2014 beneteau Oceanis 45.......there is a crank next to the windlass .....it is a Qucik windlass

[Steve Bean]

You can get manuals at Quicknauticalequipment.com.

[blue otter]

Thanks!

[nigel1]

Looks like that crank handle, and the star shaped socket in the top of the drum is only for operating the clutch.

[blue otter]

Yes that is what it seems like so far. Did u get that out of the manual?.....pretty stupid design not to be able to retrieve it

[nigel1]

Well, I read the manual, and it only implies a manual option for dropping the anchor, not for lifting.
Like you say, not the best of designs. My Leroy Somer windlass has the ability to lift the chain if the motor fails.

[Steve Bean]

Could the problem be as simple as a bad electrical connection or short circuit? Does the windlass turn at all when you hit the switch, before the breaker pops?

[exMaggieDrum]

I'm with Steve Bean as far as troubleshooting the issue. It could be something really, really simple to fix. Check each termination of all the cables and the condition of the cables and lugs. Grab each cable at each terminal and see if you can wiggle it and tighten if loose. From the battery to the circuit breaker to the solenoids and to the windlass. Check both the positive and negative. You should also make sure each cable is secured by wire ties or clamps as close as possible to each termination. The bow takes a pounding and cables can come loose if allowed to flop around. You could also have a worn out solenoid. And of course it could be the windlass has a problem. I have also seen abraded cables where the cable was near something sharp or rough in the middle of the cable, often in the bilge without anything keeping it from moving around. I have seen "green death" so bad the cable would come apart just picking it up.

Note that some windlasses do not like to down haul the chain/anchor even if they have that function. Check your manual. With practice and a good setup it should be relatively easy to just let it free fall, under control, not just spin as fast as it can go, although I have seen skippers do that.

But do what works for you.

[JohnT]

The Quick brand is notorious for the circuit breaker popping. It is normally found that the factories do not install the correct breakers. Get hold of Quick and they will tell you the correct breaker needed. I cannot remember the type, but this problem has come up on other forums and normally, installing the correct breaker solves the problem.

[exMaggieDrum]

it would be super if the windlass issue is fixed after talking to the vendor. You should still check all your wiring anyway. One of the best routine things you can do on a boat.