For Sale: Maxwell Windlass

[dfloeter]

For sale is a lightly used 500 watt Maxwell windlass. I removed rthis from my fresh water Catalina 34. I can say lightly used because the windlass was wired backwards when we bought the bought so being mounted horizontally, the gypsy pulled from below making it nearly impossible to use. Therefore I doubt it ever was used much.

The photos show it as well as possible. There is no corrosion inside and it still had ample grease where required when I dismantled the thing.

In case you are unaware, a DC motor wired backwards like this one just turns the other direction and does not harm the motor in any way.

The windlass is packed in a Maxwell box from the new windlass so will ship wel and will arrive in good shape.

Asking $300 or best offer plus shipping from 49686. The weight is about 28 pounds. To sweeten the pot I can include an 8x10 glossy photo of a couple Bahamian racing Class C boats during the 5Fs Regatta in 2009.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by dfloeter

In case you are unaware, a DC motor wired backwards like this one just turns the other direction and does not harm the motor in any way.

I can attest to that, cause mine runs backwards every time I either raise or lower the anchor, depending on your viewpoint

[KP44]

The Maxwell I installed has been great. And it powers both up and down. That should be controlled by two foot switches, or by a switch marked "UP - DN". I have not seen one (except on powerboats) that goes only up.
I can highly recommend this 500 watt Maxwell for a smaller boat that uses line for a rode. From the photos it looks like you have a capstan-only with no chain gypsy.

[dfloeter]

Quite right there KP44. The buyer will need a foot switch and since this lacks the chain gypsy letting down is a matter of easing pressure on the rode. Some users on the Catalina 34 site have reported good luck with chain on this gypsy maintaining a few wraps. I never tried that but suppose it likely works.

[a64pilot]

You can use chain on a regular capstan, but it will mar it up, put a leather wrap on it and it won't mar

[4sandybutts]

Is this windlass still available? What Model is it and what year do you know? Does it have foot and cockpit controls? Is it a vertical windlass that was mounted horizontally? That is how I am installing one on my Catalina 30. Thanks.

[dfloeter]

Hi it comes with one foot switch and the rest of the pieces are readily available. This windlass is designed for both horizontal and vertical use. Let me know what you want and make an offer. This needs to go away.

[KP44]

Is the model number available?
Does Maxwell make a gypsy for this model?

[dfloeter]

This is the VW500 and Maxwell no longer makes the gypsy but there might be a used one out there somewhere.

[sailnow2011]

I am really thinking about buying this from you.
Would this fit in a large flat rate priority mail box?

[roverhi]

Looking at the photos, there is a long distance from the deck flange to the motor/gearbox. Is this a removable spacer or does the motor gearbox hang way down on the underside of the deck?? Windlass would have to go at the foot of the V berth on my boat and it looks like it would wipe out footroom if I'm seeing the picture correctly.

Originally Posted by dfloeter

For sale is a lightly used 500 watt Maxwell windlass. I removed rthis from my fresh water Catalina 34. I can say lightly used because the windlass was wired backwards when we bought the bought so being mounted horizontally, the gypsy pulled from below making it nearly impossible to use. Therefore I doubt it ever was used much.

The photos show it as well as possible. There is no corrosion inside and it still had ample grease where required when I dismantled the thing.

In case you are unaware, a DC motor wired backwards like this one just turns the other direction and does not harm the motor in any way.

The windlass is packed in a Maxwell box from the new windlass so will ship wel and will arrive in good shape.

Asking $300 or best offer plus shipping from 49686. The weight is about 28 pounds. To sweeten the pot I can include an 8x10 glossy photo of a couple Bahamian racing Class C boats during the 5Fs Regatta in 2009.

[dfloeter]

Don't know about the flat rate box. I will be home in a couple of days and will check the size box required.

[dfloeter]

The gearbox is fixed in length. Thanks for asking.

[dfloeter]

Sailnow2011, I checked on the size for a large flat rate box, but it doesn't quite make it. The best I can do, for the good of the windlass and reliable shipping would be to use the box my new woindlass was shipped in and send either USP or USPS. Total weight is 28 pounds from zip code 49686. I will split the cost of shipping with you to wherever.