[C320-list] Windlass replacement

[Gene Helfman]

A year later after close to two months cruising and many, many ups and down
with the VW10 and I remain very happy with it's performance in all regards.
No problems of chain slippage on the gypsy. However I (and my back) are
regretting not doing the rope to chain splice because if we anchor in more
than 50 ft (which isn't unusual when cruising in B.C.) at some point you
are lifting in excess of 50 lbs while trying to switch from rope to chain
over the gypsy.  Sounds simple but it's on a boat.   We are seriously
thinking of biting the bullet and switching to all chain.

On Mon, Oct 29, 2018 at 8:36 AM Jeff Hare <Catalina at thehares.com> wrote:

> I know this is an old thread, but I wonder if replacing the VC500 with the
> newer VW10 model would be close to a drop in replacement.  It is specified
> for use in either vertical or horizontal positions.
>
> Specifically, I'm curious if the bolt holes and such are compatible.  I'm
> sure Maxwell could answer those questions.
>
> Pat Tormey was wondering if anyone has upgraded their windlass controls
> for both power up & down?
>
> -Jeff Hare
> #809
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of
> Doug Treff
> Sent: Wednesday, October 4, 2017 9:58 AM
> To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Windlass replacement
>
> Thanks Chris - I'm really looking for a better arrangement, and I'd like
> something with a proper chain gypsy that can handle a rope-chain splice.
>
> --
> Doug Treff
> doug at treff.us
>
> On Wed, Oct 4, 2017, at 09:42 AM, Chris Burti wrote:
> > 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
> > >
> > >
>
>

-- 
Gene Helfman, Professor Emeritus
Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia
PERMANENT address:
    498 Shoreland Dr., Lopez Is., WA 98261
    (360) 468-2136
    genehelfman at gmail.com

*Zero tolerance is great for building airplanes but not for running
countries.*