Leroy Somer Windlass on our Beneteau

[SVMusic]

We have a 2000 Beneteau and it has the original windlass made by Leroy Somer. After taking the motor out of the casing, we have taken it to a shop to see if they can correct the problem of it working at times and not at others. We THINK it may be a loose wire because it works intermittently, but once the small motor repair guy gets it open we will know if the brushes are the problem or some other issue. <sweating>
Because of the motor fitting inside the casing which is mounted on the deck, we are worried about actually trying to get a new motor to fit in the same casing.
Has anyone else try to successfully replaced the motor? What is a good option to do that? And to buy a whole new windlass is so pricey! We really don't want to have to go that route.
Any thoughts from my knowledgeable sailor friends?
Thanks
Cara

[billknny]

Originally Posted by SVMusic

We have a 2000 Beneteau and it has the original windlass made by Leroy Somer. After taking the motor out of the casing, we have taken it to a shop to see if they can correct the problem of it working at times and not at others. We THINK it may be a loose wire because it works intermittently, but once the small motor repair guy gets it open we will know if the brushes are the problem or some other issue. <sweating>
Because of the motor fitting inside the casing which is mounted on the deck, we are worried about actually trying to get a new motor to fit in the same casing.
Has anyone else try to successfully replaced the motor? What is a good option to do that? And to buy a whole new windlass is so pricey! We really don't want to have to go that route.
Any thoughts from my knowledgeable sailor friends?
Thanks
Cara

Assuming switches and power delivery is good, one of the first things to suspect when a DC motor exhibits intermittent operation are worn brushes--a cheap and easy fix. Some other good news for you, unless the motor is seriously corroded or otherwise mechanically compromised--if you have a good motor shop--just about everything else can be put right.

Do not go out shopping for a new motor yet. Odds are excellent yours will be coming back literally as good as new.

[SVMusic]

We have FINALLY solve The Windlass problems. We were ready to buy a new motor, buy new winless, but there were obstacles in our way for all of those things. A new motor would not fit inside the casing. I knew windlass meant drilling new holes in the fiberglass and repairing the unused holes. And additionally it was expensive to buy a windlass that would hold both the correct size chain 10mm for our French made boat and rope.
We even talk to a Salesman at beneteau about a replacement motor and he met of the rock wall as well. It is a shame that beneteau put in such a shotty windlass with a motor inside that stopped production three years after putting it into our boat. That means no parts no replacement. We recently came across a man who used to work for beneteau and does freelance work and he knew of a LeRoy Somer motor that have been taken off of a boat but still worked. We are crossing our fingers that this motor when it is put in next week will work! I will keep you posted :-)