Windlass Maxwell 800/Catalina 42

[mmhewes]

Ahoy!

I have a Catalina 42 1999 mkll.

1.The maxwell 800 windlass does not let the chain out very well. What can I do about this? Yes I have maintained the parts. Still an issue.
2. What can I replace this windlass with to fit the existing footprint?
3. The windlass only comes up via power. Can I refit for both up and DOWN?

Margie
SV Blessed Life

[Paul L]

Here's a thread with some comments
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ass-27077.html
You don't really say what the issues are with dropping chain.

[mmhewes]

Paul L,

Thank you for the reply.

The issue is that your supposed to loosen the capstan with a winch handle, and "away she goes". Well away she does not go- gets jammed. Yes we did consult maxwell for the proper chain size. I do have the proper size. Yes we took it all apart to examine. Yes we replaced some parts that were damaged. Anyway - I was hoping someone has replaced this windlass and could tell me what they used for that 1999 Catalina 42 footprint, with both up and down options.

Cheers,
Margie

[UNCIVILIZED]

By "fit the existing footprint", what exactly do you mean, & why is this seemngly a necessity for you?

[s/v Moondancer]

I had that problem with a Maxwell 2200. I talked to Maxwell and they gave me the part numbers for the parts to switch the power both up and down.

[mmhewes]

Thank you for the reply. I have correspondence into Maxwell. But wanted to hear from a Catalina owner.

As far as replacing the windlass (if necessary) I assume all windlasses are not made the same, as well you know that the locker lid is designed with a cut out for the windlass.

thank you kindly,

Margie

[roverhi]

If you are dropping the anchor with the winch freewheeling, the centrifugal force on the chain as it passes around the gypsy can cause a jamb. Don't have a Catalina or your windlass but on my boat have to power down the anchor or be very careful with the clutch on the windlass so the chain pays out slowly. Check with Maxwell to see if you can add power down function to the windlass.

[UNCIVILIZED]

You might try posting on the various Catalina Owner's Group forums, as well as doing some searching on them. And I think that Catalina has put out various series of tech bulletins for their boats, some of them quite comprehensive, & covering all manner of equipment & structures in/on their boats. Also, might you be able to post pics of your windlass installation, along with a schematic of it's footprint. That or provide a link to same. It would help us to assist you.

[mmhewes]

Thank you all for your assistance!! We are cutting the lines again to head to La Vantana,MX. That is an open roadstead so I am told, and want that ground tackle in tip top form.

Margie
Catalina 42 MKll

[Cheechako]

Power down is nice, but often I found wanting to go faster than that. The problem is often the "clutch" inside the windlass wont let go until... all of a sudden it goes too fast. Then the chain will jump and possibly cause a jam. Most often this is rectified by cleaning the internal parts and developing a good technique. You dont want to drop anchor too fast or you end up fouling the anchor.
Not entirely sure, but that seems like a bit small windlass for a 42 ft boat...? If you want a bigger one, anything can be modified including the anchor locker lid etc.
Yes you should be able to mod for power up and down. All it does is reverse the positive and negative 12volt power so the motor turns the opposite direction. Usually done with solenoid switches.

[rfinklegal]

Our 2011 Catalina 375 has a Maxwell 800 with both power up and down.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by mmhewes

Thank you for the reply. I have correspondence into Maxwell. But wanted to hear from a Catalina owner. >>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Margie,

Try catalina42-425org

[BrianGJS]

Maxwell 800 would not lift my new ss 60lb all chain tackle on my Cruisers 405. I switched to the Maxwell RC10 and compared to the 800, it would nearly toss the anchor over the boat. It has both up and down functions.

The nice part was wiring was the same - both have the same 1000w motor - so plug and play. Best or all - DIRECT REPLACEMENT - the holes lined up perfectly. I made the change a couple of years ago so best check Maxwell's current specs.
Brian

[Jim Cate]

Yes you should be able to mod for power up and down. All it does is reverse the positive and negative 12volt power so the motor turns the opposite direction. Usually done with solenoid switches.

VNot so on both our Maxwell 1200 and 1500 VCW windlasses. They have three terminals on the motor: common, up and down. Direction of chain is determined by which of the two positive terminals you apply power to.

Dunno about the one in question, though.

Jim

[TxCoastSailor]

Hi Margie,

I have a Catalina 380 with the same windlass. Mine was also sticky when paying out the chain. Took it apart, cleaned the corrosion off the friction cones, lubricated them with silicon grease and it has been fine ever since. Contact Maxwell to verify but I believe the newer Maxwell 1000 has the same foot print if you really want to replace it.

TCS