[C320-list] Windlass replacement

[Chris Burti]

Doug,
It sounds as if you may be decided on replacing the windlass for an upgrade but if not , I offer a couple suggestions. 
If the gears are not broken and problem is the motor, look at Karl Mielenhausen’s article on maintenance of it, use that as guide to remove the motor and then carry it to an alternator and starter repair shop for a rebuild. 
Second, if you cut off a couple of three inch sections of bicycle tube and slip them over the drum, it will handle chain fairly well 
Best Regards,
Chris Burti


> On Oct 4, 2017, at 8:23 AM, Doug Treff <doug at treff.us> wrote:
> 
> All,
> 
> I'd like to hear from any of you who may have replaced their VC500
> windlass. Mine is done. It no longer works, and I'm replacing all my
> rode this year. Seems like a good time to revisit the windlass situation
> as well. I've read a lot about the Maxwell windlasses. Seems that this
> one is a vertical windlass mounted horizontally. I've considered
> replacing the windlass with another Maxwell VW series that has the chain
> gypsy but I have heard of problems with the chain jumping off the gypsy
> due to the small amount of engagement of the chain in the gypsy.
> If any of you have made the switch to another make and/or model of
> windlass, I'd love to hear what you found regarding usability,
> installation (what models will fit in the 320), etc...
> I'm a blank slate. Since my windlass does not handle chain, is broken,
> and the retrofit kit is discontinued, it's time to replace. Bonus points
> if you have pictures to share!
> Thanks,
> 
> --
> Doug Treff
> 1996 - Hull 350 - September Song
> doug at treff.us
> 
>